Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/38

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Bent on some mortgage, (to avoid reproach)279
He seeks by-streets, and saves th' expensive coach.
Soft, at low doors, old letchers tap their cane,
For fair recluse, who travels Drury-lane:
Here roams uncomb'd the lavish rake, to shun
His Fleet-street draper's everlasting dun.
Careful observers, studious of the town,285
Shun the misfortunes that disgrace the clown:
Untempted, they contemn the juggler's feats,
Pass by the Meuse, nor try the thimble's cheats.
When drays bound high, they never cross behind,
Where bubbling yeast is blown by gusts of wind:
And when up Ludgate-hill huge carts move slow,
Far from the straining steeds securely go,292
Whose dashing hoofs behind them fling the mire,
And mark with muddy blots the gazing 'squire.—
The Parthian thus his jav'lin backward throws,
And, as he flies, infests pursuing foes.296
The thoughtless wits shall frequent forfeits pay,
Who 'gainst the sentry's box discharge their tea.
Do thou some court or secret corner seek,299
Nor flush with shame the passing virgin's cheek. . . . .