Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/16

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Coaches and chariots yet unfashion'd lay,
Nor late-invented chairs perplex'd the way:
Then the proud lady tripp'd along the town,105
And tuck'd-up petticoats secur'd her gown;
Her rosy cheeks with distant visits glow'd,
And exercise unartful charms bestow'd:
But since in braided gold her foot is bound,
And a long trailing mantua sweeps the ground,
Her shoe disdains the street—the lazy fair,110
With narrow step, affects a limping air.
Now gaudy Pride corrupts the lavish age,
And the streets flame with glaring equipage:—
The tricking gamester insolently rides,115
With Loves and Graces on his chariot's sides:
In saucy state the griping broker sits,
And laughs at honesty and trudging wits.
For you, O honest men these useful lays
The muse prepares:—I seek no other praise.120
When sleep is first disturb'd by morning cries,
From sure prognostics learn to know the skies,
Lest you of rheums and coughs at night complain,
Surpris'd in dreary fogs or driving rain.