POE TJJT. 



To the Editor of the Bee. 



ORIGINAL ODE. 



Recited by a Club on the 3isr of December 1751. 



Come my lads since time if fleeting. 



And our year upon the wing, 

 Let us have a jovial meeting, 



And its parting requiem sing. 



Hither drawer ! bring us,claret, 



Quickly fill us flowing bowlsl 

 Mouldy c'a(h'.---Why Ihould we spare it? 



Banilh dull unsocial souls. 



Murm'ring mortals, still repining, 



With us cannot find a place : 

 Double hearts, with flatt'ry whining, 



Shall not ihew their Janus face.. 



Those who murder reputation. 



Sons of scandal come not here ! 

 Discord dire, and vile vexation. 



Shall not in our club appear. 



Here is nought but social pleasure, 

 Love and Friendlhip reign confest; 



In this bump'^r blooms a treasure, 

 Chears the care-corroded breast ! 



Liberty we here enjoy, 



Britain's sons, and born free ; 

 Let us then this w /h employ. 



That as happy all may be ! 



France, Great Britain's new-born sister, 



Riiing from despotic sway; 

 May that pow'r who thus hath blest her. 



Lead her forth to Freedom's day ! 



Weep Pjr Afric's sons forlorn, 



Pledge their health, and wiflj them free ! 

 Frfcdom's fire with all is born, 



Why slaves to us fhould negr»c3 be ? 

 vol.. vii. E JC f 



