The IRISH WORTHY; Or Hospitable Batchelor. A CHARACTER

Least you should think misanthrophy is seen, Or that I write thro' envy or the spleen, Or deal out satire with a wanton hand, On those that softer touches should command; I now produce a character to view, One of the good and worth-distinguish'd few. Hibernia's bow'rs his youthful days partook, Till manhood came, her charms he then forsook, Columbia hail'd him—own'd him as her child; Here wealth and grandeur o'er his efforts smil'd: From honest labour honest riches flow'd, And fortune's favors lib'ral were bestow'd; But not to spoil as oft' we see they do; With these came worth and real greatness too; And native hospitality to cheer The num'rous guests that at his board appear; Pleas'd with their social converse while they sit, He charms the glass with life-refining wit: No dull discourse his ev'ning hours betray, But manly pastime or amusive play. Friend to each art, the poets patron to, And from him merit ever meets its due; Distress unaided never left his door, "For God has made him agent to the poor." A whig from principle—he loves his friend— Such is the man I freely now commend.