A POEM. 15 



Their nipples on ; try hard, try hard, t'impress 



Upon their ignorance the needfulness 



Of using but the best, the save they make 



As nothing is, compar'd to what they stake. 



Tis not amiss to carry a reserve 



At large in pocket, which may one day serve 



If you alone be shooting miles away 



From where their venders see the face of day, 



And then by accident your case should lose, 



The forethought may be found of signal use. 



But Walker's metal wadding you must shun, 



Twill bruise your shoulder, injure much the gun. 



Thick felt on powder, and pasteboard on lead, 



At greatest distance drops them, and most dead. 



But try what charge the gun requires with care, 



You then with confidence to sport repair. 



Firing at plate of iron two feet square, 



Which must be white-wash' d well, and not left bare, 



From forty yards, you then will plainly see 



Each time you trial make, with certainty 



