And who shall say where guided? to what seats In that sad time of many a dismal scene And that once lost, the wretch was cast aside: Thus was he found: the master of a hoy All shame, and humbly for his aid applied: And his small boon with cheerful frankness dealt; Young Frederick Thompson to a chandler's shop "By harlots order'd and afraid to stop! "What! our good merchant's favourite to be seen "In state so loathsome and in dress so mean?”. So thought the seaman as he bade adieu, And, when in port, related all he knew. But time was lost, inquiry came too late, Those whom he served knew nothing of his fate; No! they had seized on what the sailor gave, Nor bore resistance from their abject slave; The spoil obtain'd, they cast him from the door, Robb'd, beaten, hungry, pain'd, diseased and poor. Then nature (pointing to the only spot Which still had comfort for so dire a lot,) Although so feeble, led him on the way, And hope look'd forward to a happier day: He thought, poor prodigal! a father yet And there he found it: he had left the town, VOL. III. THE BOROUGH. LETTER XIII. THE ALMS-HOUSE AND TRUSTEES. Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame. There are a sort of men whose visages Merchant of Venice. Sum felix; quis enim neget? felixque manebo; |