Stothard Del. Published Feb. L1798, by Johnson London. Angus Sculp and pressit the Youth Close to his side that pleased him. Learning grew Beneath his care That holds mankind together to a scourge. Of grossest nature and of worst effects, And warps, the consciences of public men, In colleges and halls, in ancient days, When learning, virtue, piety, and truth, Were precious, and inculcated with care, There dwelt a sage call'd Discipline. His head, Not yet by time completely silver'd o'er, Bespoke him past the bounds of freakish youth, But strong for service still, and unimpair'd. His eye was meek and gentle, and a smile Play'd on his lips; and in his speech was heard Paternal sweetness, dignity, and love. The occupation dearest to his heart Was to encourage goodness. He would stroke The head of modest and ingenuous worth, That blush'd at its own praise; and press the youth Close to his side that pleas'd him. Learning grew, Beneath his care, a thriving vig'rous plant; The mind was well inform'd, the passions held Subordinate, and diligence was choice. If e'er it chanc'd, as sometimes chance it must, That one among so many overleap'd The limits of controul, his gentle eye Declin'd at length into the vale of years: A palsy struck his arm; his sparkling eye Was quench'd in rheums of age; his voice, un strung, Grew tremulous, and mov'd derision more Than rev'rence in perverse rebellious youth. Their good old friend; and Discipline at length, And virtue fled. The schools became a scene Then compromise had place, and scrutiny A dissolution of all bonds ensued; The curbs, invented for the mulish mouth Of head-strong youth, were broken; bars and bolts Grew rusty by disuse; and massy gates Forgot their office, op'ning with a touch; Till gowns at length are found mere masquerade, A mock'ry of the world! What need of these Is squander'd in pursuit of idle sports And vicious pleasures; buys the boy a name, And cleaves through life inseparably close |