e'er a Briton's pride,
That mercy in his courts preside.
But e'er he's paid, he must await
T'obtain a fair certificate.
Some cases there however are
Which, at first view, may seem severe:
Suppose his creditors are ten;
Four sign, the rest refuse: what then?
If their demand exceed the four
They'll keep the bankrupt in their pow'r;
And although he has all resign'd,
If unproved debts remain behind,
Inhuman creditors then may
His body into prison lay,
Where oft the wretch, to sooth his grief,
In dissipation seeks relief.
Sometimes a parent may prevent
Unmeaningly the law's intent;
And merc'less creditors decline
The hapless debtor's deed to sign,
In hopes the father may one day
The long-neglected son's debts pay.

[Picture: Decorative image]

THE WRETCHED PAIR.

Oh, sir! I pray, before you leave this life,
Extend forgiveness to my injured wife.
Why cast her from your presence? Say the cause?
Faithful she's kept the strict connubial law's.
The seven years I pass'd with her in love,
She e'er a faithful, virtuous wife did prove.
Was she too gay in dress to please your mind,
That you to her so long have been unkind?
Did she too much in company appear?
She scarcely did that twice or thrice a year.
I'm told you say her manners were too high:
'Twas you who view'd her with a scornful eye;
And that because she'd little store of wealth,
Which still was lessen'd to improve her health.
Say, should the want of wealth produce such strife,
When virtue only guided her through life?
I loved her: though her fortune was so scant,
Her fond endearment made me feel no want;
And spite of all that malice yet has done,
We are, though parted, still two hearts in one.
What was it then that canker'd thus your mind,
And made you to her many virtues blind?
Why did she ever sullen pride receive?
Contempt a female heart must ever grieve.
Th'unfeeling world, when adverse gales prevail,
Arraign your conduct, at your actions rail:
Should fortune smile, your company they'll crave,
And swear you may their all command and have;
But should a change of fortune e'er take place,
Their friendship's gone, and they'll e'en shun your face:
So long as you a guinea free can spend,
Talk nonsense, and drink hard, you'll be a friend:
They'll say you're clever, g