Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/28

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But when the bully, with assuming pace,
Cocks his broad hat, edg'd round with tarnish'd lace,
Yield not the way; defy his strutting pride,61
And thrust him to the muddy kennel's side;
He never turns again, nor dares oppose,
But mutters coward curses as he goes.
⁠If drawn by business to a street unknown65
Let the sworn porter point thee through the town.
Be sure observe the signs; for signs remain
Like faithful landmarks to the walking train.
Seek not from 'prentices to learn the way;
Those fabling boys will turn thy steps astray:70
Ask the grave tradesman to direct thee right;
He ne'er deceives—-but when he profits by't.
Where fam'd St. Giles's ancient limits spread,
An inrail'd column rears its lofty head;
Here to sev'n streets sev'n dials count the day,75
And from each other catch the circling ray:
Here oft the peasant, with enquiring face,
Bewilder'd, trudges on from place to place;
He dwells on ev'ry sign with stupid gaze,
Enters the narrow alley's doubtful maze;80