Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/20

10 Others you'll see, when all the town's afloat, Wrapt in th' embraces of a kersey coat, Or double-button'd freeze; their guarded feet Defy the muddy dangers of the street: While you, with hat unloop'd, the fury dread Of spouts high streaming, and with cautious tread Shun ev'ry dashing pool; or idly stop, To seek the kind protection of a shop. But bus'ness summons: now with hasty scud You jostle for the wall; the spatter'd mud Hides all thy hose behind; in vain you scour; Thy wig, alas! uncurrd, admits the show'r. So fierce Alecto's snaky tresses fell, When Orpheus charm'd the rigorous pow'rs of hell: Or thus hung Glaucus' beard, with briny dew Clotted and strait, when first his am'rous view Surpris'd the bathing fair; the frighted maid Now stands a rock, transform'd by Circe's aid.
 * Good housewives all the winter's rage despise,

Defended by the ridinghood's disguise; Or, underneath th' umbrella's oily shade, Safe through the wet on clinking pattens tread.