Queen Mab

Not long ago, 'tis said, a proclamation, Was sent abroad through all the Fairy nation; Mab to her loving subjects—A decree, At SHAKESPEARE's tomb to hold a Jubilee.

The night was come, and now on Avon's side The pigmy race was seen, Attended by their queen, On chafers some, and some on crickets ride. The queen appear'd from far, Mounted in a nut shell carr; Six painted lady-birds the carriage drew; And now the cavalcade, In order due array'd, March'd first, Where erst, The sacred Mulb'ry grew, And there their homage paid: Next they sought the holy ground, And while A thousand glow-worm torches glimmer'd round; Thus Good Fellow, the herald of his fame, Did from the alabaster height proclaim, The poets titles and his stile.

SHAKESPEARE, heaven's most favor'd creature, Truest copier of Nature, First of the Parnassian train; Chiefest fav'rite of the muses, Which soe'er the poet chooses, Blest alike in ev'ry strain. Life's great censor, and inspector, Fancy's treasurer, Wit's director, Artless to the shame of art; Master of the various passions, Leader of all inclinations, Sov'reign of the human heart.

Then did the queen an acorn take, Fill'd with morn and ev'ning dew, Brush'd from ev'ry fragrant brake, That round the lawns of Stratford grew.

And thus said she, libation do I make, To our friend and father's shade: 'Twas SHAKESPEARE that the Fairies made; And men shall give us honour for his sake.

O happy bard, whose potent skill, Can give existence where it will. Let giant wisdom strive to chase, From man's belief the Fairy race; Religion stern our pow'r reject, Philosophy our tales neglect, Only trusting what 'tis seeing; Combat us howe'er they list, In thy scenes we shall exist, Sure as if Nature gave us being.