A New Ballad

When Arthur fill'd the British Throne-a, Comedians were a Name unknown-a; Punch's Train they did admire-a, Pleas'd enough with Wood and Wire-a; Paw, Paw, Paw, &c. Doodle, Doodle, Doo, &c.

But when Shakespear charm'd the Age-a, The Sire and Sov'reign of the Stage-a; Then the English had Discernment, And good Writers met Preferment. Paw, Paw, Paw, &c.

But now your Shakespears and your Johnsons Must give Way to Noise and Nonsense; Sense and Taste no more are Friends-a; The Palm from Man to Beasts descends-a, Paw, Paw, Paw, &c.

'Stead of Tragi-comic choice Tricks, 'Tis "Walk in and see the Ostrich;" Modern Wits must give the Wall-a To the Tyger from Bengal-a. Paw, Paw, Paw, &c.

Now Harlequin full well contents-a The motly Race he represents-a; Now all Genius must withdraw, Sir, And give Place to Wire and Straw, Sir. Paw, Paw, Paw, &c.

Manly Judgment, Wit and Reason, To our Critics Ears are Treason; And Rich's Lion fights with Garrick, As Dun Cow with Guy at Warwick. Paw, Paw, Paw, &c.

Thus Life's a Stage; your aged Boys, Sir, Cry once more for Children's Toys, Sir; The present is, as was the past-a; Babes at first, and Babes at last-a. Paw, Paw, Paw, &c.