252 THE COURTIER'S RETORT. 



and it is scarcely possible to doubt, that whenever any practical emer- 

 gency arises, this will lead to a manifestation of public opinion, the 

 result of which must be a radical change in the present constitution 

 of the House of Lords. No intelligent and practical man, indeed, 

 will refuse to admit that the government, if the country cannot be 

 carried on, unless some means are devised to induce all the branches 

 of the legislation to unite in measures, which may satisfy the people, 

 and may retard the progress of those opinions, which if allowed to 

 encrease, must lead to an entire Revolution in our present system of 

 government. We will not pretend to offer any opinion as to what 

 those means ought to be, but will only express our earnest hope, that 

 the discussion of a question, which involves so important a change in 

 the constitution, may be conducted with calmness and moderation; 

 and may, at last, be settled in a permanent and satisfactory manner. 

 In the meantime, we must again repeat our former opinion, that a 

 regard to its own honour, and to the real welfare of the country, im- 

 peratively calls upon the present administration to pursue a vigorous, 

 consistent, and honest course of policy; for, if it does so, it may rest 

 assured, that in any difficulty which results from such a policy, it will 

 be powerfully supported by the country, and will be enabled, not 

 only to overcome every such difficulty, but to place its own power 

 upon a firm and enduring foundation. 



THE COURTIER'S RETORT. 



The Second Charles was any thing 



Except a sage and solemn king ; 



No fool was he, howe'er his sin 



Lay in such ware as Nelly Gwynne, 

 Davies and Lucy Waters, Castlemaine 

 They turned his pockets, not his brain. 



His court was vicious, profligate ; 



Good lack ! how we're improved of late ! 

 But Charles was monarch of these olden days, 

 When kings loved mistresses, and wine, and plays , 

 And every courtier felt, or feigned a passion ; 

 For vice, like virtue, reigns by Fashion. 



Among the rest old Shaftesbury kept a dame, 



Less for the pleasure than the name. 

 The king apprised it, his finger laid 



Upon his shoulder, and he said 

 " I verily believe my lord, 

 My English realms do not afford 

 Than thou a more pernicious elf!" 

 The courtier bowed, and said, "our king 

 Has said a just though cutting thing, 



And quite forgot himself. 1 ' 



