Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/17

Rh When suffocating mists obscure the morn, Let thy worst wig, long us'd to storms, be worn: This knows the powder'd footman, and, with care, Beneath his flapping hat secures his hair. Be thou for every season justly drest: Nor brave the piercing frost with open breast; And when the bursting clouds a deluge pour, Let thy surtout defend the drenching show'r,
 * The changing weather certain signs reveal.—

Ere Winter sheds her snow, or frosts congeal, You'll see the coals in brighter flames aspire, And sulphur tinge with blue the rising fire; Your tender shins the scorching heat decline, And at the dearth of coals the poor repine: Before her kitchen-hearth the nodding dame, In flannel mantle wrapt, enjoys the flame; Hov'ring, upon her feeble knees she bends, And all around the grateful warmth ascends.
 * Nor do less certain signs the town advise

Of milder weather and serener skies.— The ladies, gaily dress'd, the Mall adorn With various dyes, and paint the sunny morn;