THE VILLAGE ANTIQUARIAN. 



-Biccr tsrba on r ~,dj 



His table the most beautiful horizon, 

 And the best beverage in the island grog. 

 The cobbler's boys were boys of some ambition 

 Terrible chaps at bird's-nesting and fishing. 



The shop-keeper knew many a marvellous story, 

 Which he could tell you with a deal of spirit. 

 He was a tall thin man his locks were hoary 

 A shrewd bold man, brim full of sterling merit. 

 He thought but very light of human glory, 

 And as to pride of wealth, he could not bear it. 

 A son or two he had perhaps a daughter 

 The eldest son was of superior water. 



This son was what they call an antiquarian, 

 A schemer youth of genius father's treasure 

 He had a workshop, where he used to carry on 

 Making all sorts of jimcracks at his leisure ; 

 He knew how gold was made as well as any one, 

 And how to make the stars fall down at pleasure : 

 In short, he was a learned deep philosopher, 

 And had read Hudibras three quarters over. 



But to my story now with your permission : 

 In this same village an old coin was found, 

 But by what lucky wight dumb is tradition, 

 And whether in a box, or under greund. 

 It was, of course, disfigured by attrition, 

 But had at some time certainly been round. 

 Letters in different parts of it were placed, 

 And the whole word Jacobus might be traced. 



The question with the villagers was whether 

 It was an English coin they had heard about 

 Such things as Roman coins and so together, 

 They raised upon the subject many a doubt. 

 The cobbler, who could beat out soles of leather, 

 Was here, alas, poor soul ! himself beat out. 

 The coin was one of value 'twas a gold one, 

 And, to enhance its value, 'twas an old one. 



At length, to put an end to all dissension, 

 The matter was referred to our philosopher, 

 Who screwing up his organs of invention, 

 Began to spout a deal of learned fuss over ; 

 Stared down upon it with profound attention, 

 Giving it now and then a gentle toss over, 

 And having paused awhile his mind to make up, 

 At length pronounced it one of good KING JACOB ! 



