Independency

LET us laugh at the common distinctions of State,
When merely from Title, men hold themselves great;
If Merit wins Honours, the wearers we praise,
But only the Mean, homage Heraldry's Blaze.

If you are a lineal descendant from Adam,
Or Spouse can collateral claim from his Madam;
O'er acres of parchment, tho' Pedigrees spread,
Boast not how you're born sir, but shew how you're bred.

You Laurels display, which your forefathers won;
We allow they did great things, but what have you done?
The Cover, the Stubble, your conquests proclaim,
And your Country's preserv'd—by the Laws of the Game.

Ye Lords of large Manors, your flatt'rers disband,
What are ye but tenants for life to the Land;
Your lakes, gardens, grots, temples, busts, pictures, plate,
Are things of the Inn, where in Life's-stage you bait.

Awhile you the labours of Luxury bear,
'Till Time tells you out, to make room for your Heir;
The same round of riot, he runs for his day,
His successor's summons, sends him the same way.

But HE who exists in Infinity's State,
Whose hand holds the Sun, and whose Fiat is Fate;
To some has sent power, to others gives wealth,
And to us, who are humble, his best Blessing—Health.

To the Graces, we nightly, a sacrifice make,
Wit and Humour, the chairs, as our Toast-masters take;
By their social converse, our time we improve,
While Tenderness lends us the daughters of Love.

Jolly Welcome attends Hospitality's call,
Common Sense is our Cat'rer in Liberty Hall;
For one dish dress'd there, all Court Treats we resign,
Keep your distance, ye Kings! INDEPENDANT we dine.