LETTER XI. INNS. All the comforts of life in a tavern are known, The instant you enter my door you're my lord, With whose taste and whose pleasure I'm proud to accord; To the house of a friend if you're pleased to retire, You must all things admit, you must all things admire; You must eat what is praised, and must praise what you eat: At your wish we attend, and confess that your speech That I've faults is confess'd; but it won't be denied, If to Justice's bar some have wander'd from mine, 'Twas because the dull rogues wouldn't stay by their wine; And for brawls at my house, well the poet explains, That men drink shallow draughts, and so madden their brains. A difficult Subject for Poetry-Invocation of the MuseDescription of the principal Inn and those of the first Class-The large deserted Tavern-Those of a second Order Their Company-One of particular Description -A lower Kind of Public-Houses: yet distinguished among themselves-Houses on the Quays for SailorsThe Green-Man: its Landlord, and the Adventure of his Marriage, &c. THE BOROUGH. LETTER XI. INNS. MUCH do I need, and therefore will I ask, By thee the Mistress of a village-school Became a queen, enthroned upon her stool; And far beyond the rest thou gav'st to shine Belinda's Lock-that deathless work was thine. Come, lend thy cheerful light, and give to please, These seats of revelry, these scenes of ease; Who sings of Inns much danger has to dread, And needs assistance from the fountain-head. High in the street, o'erlooking all the place, The rampant Lion shows his kingly face; His ample jaws extend from side to sido, His eyes are glaring, and his nostrils wide; In silver shag the sovereign form is dress'd, A mane horrific sweeps his ample chest ; Elate with pride, he seems t'assert his reign, And stands the glory of his wide domain. Yet nothing dreadful to his friends the sight, But sign and pledge of welcome and delight: To him the noblest guest the town detains Flies for repast, and in his court remains; Him too the crowd with longing looks admire, Sigh for his joys, and modestly retire; Here not a comfort shall to them be lost Who never ask or never feel the cost. The ample yards on either side contain Buildings where order and distinction reign;The splendid carriage of the wealthier guest, The ready chaise and driver smartly dress'd; Whiskeys and gigs and curricles are there, And high-fed prancers many a raw-boned pair. On all without a lordly host sustains The care of empire, and observant reigns; The parting guest beholds him at his side, Her bar she governs, and her kitchen schools; Respectful, easy, pleasant, or polite— "Your honour's servant-Mister Smith, good night." Unlike the nobler beast, the Bear is bound, And with the Crown so near him, scowls uncrown'd; Less his dominion, but alert are all Without, within, and ready for the call; Smart lads and light run nimbly here and there, Nor for neglected duties mourns the Bear. |