l." p. 11._]

The Elephant, stately, majestic and tall, [p 11]
With Cousin Rhinoceros open'd the ball--
With dignified mien the two partners advanc'd,
And the _De la Cour_ minuet gracefully danc'd.
The Lion and Unicorn, beasts of great fame,
With much admiration, accomplish'd the same.
The Tiger and Leopard, an active young pair,
Perform'd a brisk jig, with an excellent air.
Next Bruin[3] stood up with a good natur'd smile, }
And caper'd a horn-pipe, in singular style, }
With a staff in his paws, and erect all the while. }
The Fox, Wolf, and Panther, their humours to please, [p 12]
Danc'd three-handed reels with much spirit and ease.
A few tried cotillions, and such like French fancies,
But most of them join'd in John Bull's country dances.
Some beasts were not us'd to these violent motions,
And some were too old or too grave in their notions;
Of these a great many diverted their hours
With whist, lue, backgammon, quadrille or all-fours.
Much time being spent in these pleasing diversions,
A motion was made to remit their exertions:
For supper was waiting; which, on this occasion,
Was manag'd with skill, and exact regulation.

[Illustration: _"Next Bruin stood up with a good natur'd smile." p. 11._]

The bosom of earth a firm table supply'd-- [p 13]
The cloth was green grass, with gay flow'rets bedy'd;
The various utensils by nature were cast,
And suited completely this antique repast.
The generous host had provided great plenty,
To suit various palates, of every dainty.
Some scores of fat oxen were roasted entire,
For those whose keen stomachs plain beef might require.
Profusion of veal, nice lamb, and good mutton,
To tickle the taste of each more refin'd glutton--
Abundance of fish, game and poultry, for those
Whose epicure palates such niceties chose.
Ripe fruits and rich sweet meats were serv'd, in great store, [p 14]
Of which much remain'd when the banquet was o'er;
For, as to mild foods of the vegetive kind,
Few guests at the table to these were inclin'd;
Rare hap for such persons as travell'd that way,
By chance or design, on the following day.
On wine and strong spirits few chose to regale,
As most were accustom'd to Adam's old ale.
When supper was ended, and each happy guest
Had freely partaken of what he lov'd best;
Of toasts and of sen