Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/35

Rh The youth strait chose his post: the labour plied Where branching streets from Charing-cross divide; His treble voice resounds along the Meuse, And Whitehall echoes—"Clean your honour's shoes?"
 * Like the sweet ballad, this amusing lay

Too long detains the walker on his way; While he attends, new dangers round him throng: The busy city asks instructive song.—
 * Where, elevated o'er the gaping crowd,

Clasp'd in the board, the perjur'd head is bow'd, Betimes retreat: here, thick as hailstones pour, Turneps and half-hatch'd eggs (a mingled show'r) Among the rabble rain; some random throw May, with the trickling yolk, thy cheek o'erflow.
 * Though expedition bids, yet never stray

Where no rang'd posts defend the rugged way: Here laden carts with thund'ring waggons meet, Wheels clash with wheels, and bar the narrow street; The lashing whip resounds, the horses strain, And blood in anguish bursts the swelling vein O barb'rous men! your cruel breasts assuage; Why vent ye on the gen'rous steed your rage? Rh