Page:The Scourge - Volume 5.djvu/31

Wordsworth, 19

the most we give as deserving consideration. The first is a loyal effusion by W. f . Fitzgerald, Esq. and thus it sublimely begins I

Hail, glorious edifice, stupendous work! God bless the Regent, and the Duke of York!

A very happy illustration of the poetic excellence of this sublime gentleman, who upon every occasion is ready with a congratulatory address: we are told that government contract with him by the score for these loyal effusions, and that he keeps by him a common-place book of loyal lines, suitable to every subject. Some shallow pated critic may, in the spirit of censure, enquire what has " the Regent and the Duke of York." to do with this " stupendous work?" — must we point out to his frigid sense, the couplet, the couplet — " work," " York." It would not be rhime without it. Poetic license allows every sacrifice for a good tag — as for instance, " Ale," M Whale;" " Gander," " Slander," and a great many others.

The Baby's Debut, by W. Wordsworth. — The author has been peculiarly felicitous in catching the ridiculous and affected style of this nursery writer — take the following specimen — " Spoken in the character of Nancy Lake, a girl eight years of age, who is drawn upon the stage in a child's chaise, by Samuel Hughes, her uncle's porter."

My brother Jack was nine in May, And I was eight on New Year's Day, So, in Kate Wilson's shop, Papa (he's my papa and Jack's) Bought me last week a doll of wax, And brother Jack a top.

We dismiss Mr. Wordsworth, and should be happy to hear that this burlesque upon his affected simplicity, had put an end to his puerile poetic prosing. We cannot say much for " Cui Bono," after the manner of Lord Byron; but should have been happy to have