Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/17

---

---

When suffocating mists obscure the morn,125
Let thy worst wig, long us'd to storms, be worn:
This knows the powder'd footman, and, with care,
Beneath his flapping hat secures his hair.
Be thou for every season justly drest:
Nor brave the piercing frost with open breast;130
And when the bursting clouds a deluge pour,
Let thy surtout defend the drenching show'r,
The changing weather certain signs reveal.—
Ere Winter sheds her snow, or frosts congeal,
You'll see the coals in brighter flames aspire,135
And sulphur tinge with blue the rising fire;
Your tender shins the scorching heat decline,
And at the dearth of coals the poor repine:
Before her kitchen-hearth the nodding dame,
In flannel mantle wrapt, enjoys the flame;140
Hov'ring, upon her feeble knees she bends,
And all around the grateful warmth ascends.
Nor do less certain signs the town advise
Of milder weather and serener skies.—
The ladies, gaily dress'd, the Mall adorn145
With various dyes, and paint the sunny morn;