92 Rhyming Ruminations on Old London Bridge. 



Oft, haply, has great Newton o'er thee stalked 



So much entranced, 

 He knew not haply if he ran or walked, 

 Hopped, waddled, leaped, or danced. 



Along thee, too, Johnson has sideways staggered, 



With the old wolf inside of him unfed ; 

 And Savage roamed, with visage lean and haggard, 



Longing for bread. 

 And next in note, 



Dear worthy Goldsmith with his gaudy coat, 

 Unheeded by the undiscerning folks ; 



There Garrick too has sped, 

 And, light of heart, he cracked his playful jokes 

 Yet though he walked, on Foote he cracked them not ; 

 And Steele, and Fielding, Butler, Swift, and Pope 

 Who filled the world with laughter, joy, and hope ; 

 And thousands, that throw sunshine on our lot, 

 And, though they die, can never be forgot. 



These comets of their day 

 Have passed away, 

 Their dust is now to kindred dust consigned ; 



Down at death's knees e'en they were forced to bow, 

 Yet each has left an honoured name behind 

 . And so, old bridge, hast thou ; 

 Thou hast outlasted many a generation ; 



And well nigh to the last looked well and hearty ; 

 Thou hast seen much of civil perturbation, 

 And hast supported many a different party. 



Yet think not I deride : , 

 Many great characters of modem days, 

 (The worthy vicars of convenient Brays) 



Have thought it no disgrace to change their side. 

 And. yet how many a luckless boat, 

 How many a thoughtless, many a jovial crew, 

 How many a young apprentice of no note ; 

 How many a maiden fair and lover true 

 Have passed down thy Charybdis of a throat, 

 And gone, Oh ! dreadful Davy Jones, to you ! 

 The coroner for Southwark, or the City, 



Calling a jury with due form and fuss, 

 To find a verdict, amidst signs of pity, 

 In phrase poetic thus : 

 " Found 

 Drown'd!" 



