With growing years the pleasing license

grew,

250

And taunts alternate innocently flew.
But Times corrupt, and Nature, ill inclin❜d,
Produced the point that left a sting be-
hind;

Till friend with friend, and families at strife,

Triumphant malice raged thro' private life. Who felt the wrong, or fear'd it, took th' alarm,

Appeal'd to law, and Justice lent her arm. At length by wholesome dread of statutes bound,

The poets learn'd to please, and not to wound :

Most warp'd to Flatt'ry's side; but some, more nice,

Preserv'd the freedom, and forbore the vice.

260

Call for the Farce, the Bear, or the Blackjoke.

309

What dear delight to Britons farce affords! Ever the taste of Mobs, but now of Lords: (Taste! that eternal wanderer, which flies From heads to ears, and now from ears to eyes.)

The play stands still; damn action and discourse!

Back fly the scenes, and enter foot and horse;

Pageants on pageants, in long order drawn, Peers, heralds, bishops, ermine, gold, and lawn;

The Champion too! and, to complete the jest,

Old Edward's armour beams on Cibber's breast.

319