Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/65

Rh Who has not here or watch or snuff-box lost, Or handkerchiefs that India's shuttle boast?
 * Oh! may thy virtue guard thee through the roads

Of Drury's mazy courts and dark abodes!— The harlots' guileful paths, who nightly stand Where Cath'rine-street descends into the Strand. Say, vagrant muse! their wiles and subtle arts, To lure the strangers' unsuspecting hearts; So shall our youth on healthful sinews tread, And city cheeks grow warm with rural red.—
 * 'Tis she who nightly strolls with saunt'ring pace;

No stubborn stays her yielding shape embrace: Beneath the lamp her tawdry ribands glare, The new-scour'd manteau, and the slattern air: High-draggled petticoats her travels show, And hollow cheeks with artful blushes glow: With flatt'ring sounds she soothes the cred'lous ear, 'My noble captain!' 'Charmer!' 'Love!' 'My dear!' In ridinghood near tavern-doors she plies; Or muffled pinners hide her livid eyes. With empty bandbox she delights to range, And feigns a distant errand from the 'Change: