e _influence_ must rule, 125
'Tis sometimes wise to play the fool;
Thus, like a witch, you raise a storm,
Whether the _Parliament's Reform_,
A set of _Irish Propositions_,
_Impeachment_--on your _own conditions_, 130
Or RICHMOND'S wild _fortifications_,
Enough to ruin twenty nations,
Or any thing you know can't fail,
To be a tub to Party's whale.
Then whilst they nibble, growl, and worry, 135
All keen and busy, hurry-scurry;
Britannia's ship you onward guide,
Wrapt in security and pride.

Accept fair praise; but while I live
Your _Regency_ I can't forgive; 140
My Tory soul with anger swell'd,
When I a parcel'd Crown beheld;
Prerogative put under hatches,
A Monarchy of shreds and patches;
And lo! a _Phantom_! to create, 145
A huge HERMAPHRODITE OF STATE!
A monster, more alarming still
Than FOX'S raw-head India Bill!

THURLOW, forbear thy awful frown;
I beg you may not _look_ me down 150
My honest fervour do not scout,
I too like thee can be devout,
And in a solemn invocation{10},
Of loyalty make protestation.

Courtiers, who chanc'd to guess aright, 155
And bask now in the Royal sight,
Gold sticks and silver, and white wands,
Ensigns of favour in your hands,
Glitt'ring with stars, and envied seen
Adorn'd with ribbands blue, red, green! 160
I charge you of deceit keep clear,
And poison not the Sovereign's ear:
O ne'er let Majesty suppose
The _Prince's_ friends must be HIS foes.
There is not one amongst you all 165
Whose sword is readier at his call;
An ancient Baron of the land,
I by my King shall ever stand;
But when it pleases Heav'n to shroud
The Royal image in a cloud, 170
That image in the Heir I see,
The Prince is then as King to me.
Let's have, altho' the skies should lour,
No interval of Regal pow'r{11}.

Where have I wander'd? do I dream? 175
Sure slaves of power are not my theme;
But honest slaves, the sons of toil,
Who cultivate the Planter's soil.

H