[ 310 ] [MARCH, 



PARLIAMENTARY PASTORALS. 

 NO- III. A SlBTHORPJAN SoNG. 



I'M an orator all the world knows, 



If they do not 'tis right they should know ; 

 Great talents I've yet to disclose, 



Which the house doesn't wish me to shew. 

 When a speech I begin to let off, 



Scarce a sentence or word can be told ; 

 For they all (what a pun !) have a "Corfe," 



Like Bankes though but few have a cold. 

 I have ever been ready to speak, 



On each subject delightfully clear ; 

 Though speaking for week after week, 



I cannot make any one hear. 

 As soon as they see that I rise, 



They determine my thoughts not to learn ; 

 And join in a whirlwind of cries, 



Of " question !" " hear, hear !" and " adjourn!" 

 Yet sometimes I've managed to bray 



A speech that was worthy a prince ; 

 And I've fancied how freely next day, 



The papers would publish my hints. 

 But when the next morning I see, 



My hopes quickly meet with a fall ; 

 For they take no more notice of me, 



Than if I'd not spoken at all. 

 I must say this is monstrously hard, 



To be treated so every night ; 

 And to have all one's genius thus marred, 



Like a bud which has suffered the blight. 

 I might become Premier who knows ! 



If my worth were more publicly known, 

 But the members are jealous of those, 



Whose wit is more bright than their own. 

 'Tis the fashion (the somnolent tribe !) 



To snore when the House I address ; 

 And their interest also to bribe 



The journals, my speech to suppress. 

 But this consolation is mine, 



In the knowledge that such has been done ; 

 That merit, however divine, 



Must be envied by those who have none. 



IV . CHLOE'S OFFERING TO THE COLIN OF BOROUGHBRIDGE ! 



I HAVE found out a gift for my dear, 



I have found out a pair of brutelles, 

 But let me the present forbear, 



And send him a smart cap and bells. 

 " For who can," said he, " in these days, 



Attempt the buffoon with success, 

 Who is not rather strange in his ways, 



Or has not something odd in his dress ? 



