When bucks are safe, nor streets display
A sea Mediterranean;[5]
When Cloacina wends her way
In streamlet sub-terranean.

When houses, inside well as out,
Are clean,[6] and servants civil;[7]
When dice (if e'er 'twill be I doubt)
Send fewer--to the devil.

When riot ends, and comfort reigns,
Right English comfort[8]--players
Are fetter'd with no rhythmic[9] chains--
French priests repeat French prayers.[10]

When Palais Royal vice subsides,[11]
(Who plays there's a complete ass--)
When footpaths grow on highway sides[12]--
Then! then's the Aurea-Aetas!

There, France, I leave thee.--Jean Taureau![13]
What think'st thou of thy neighbours?
Or (what I own I'd rather know)
What--think'st thou of MY LABOURS?

A TRAVELLER OF 1827, (W. P.)

_Carshalton_.