THE OLD COACHMAN;

A NEW BALLAD:

OR THE TRAVELS OF MR. PULTNEY AND LORD CARTERET

TO CLERMONT.

WHEN Caleb and Cart'ret, two birds of a

feather, Went down to a feast at Newcastle's together; No matter what wines, or what choice of good

cheer, 'Tis enough that the Coachman had his dose of beer.

Derry down, &c.

Coming home, as the liquor worked up in his

Poor Cart'ret in terror, and scar'd all the while, Cry'd, “Stop, let me out—is the dog an Argyle?"

Derry down, &c.

But he soon was convinced of his error, for, lo, John stopt short in the dirt and no further could

go; When Cart'ret saw this, he observed, with a

laugh, “ This Coachman, I find, is your own, my Lord Bath."

Derry down, &c.

Now the Peers quit the coach in a pitiful

plight, Deep in mire and rain, and without any light; Not a path to pursue, nor to guide them a friend, What course shall they take then, and how will this end?

Derry down, &c.

Lo! Chance, the great master of human affairs, Who governs in councils, and conquers in wars; Straight, with grief at their case, for the Goddess

well knew, That these were her creatures and votaries true,

Derry down, &c.

This Chance brought a Passenger* quick to

their aid,

“ Honest friend, can you drive?” -“ What should ail me he said;

[way, “For many a bad season, through many a bad

,

, « Old Orford * I've driven without stop or stay.

Derry down, &c.

a

“ He was overturn’d, I confess, but not hurt," Quoth the Peers" It was we help'd him out of

the dirt; “ This boon for thy master then prithee requite, “ Take us up or else here we must wander all night.”

Derry down, &c.

He took them both up, and thro' thick and thro'

thin, Drove away to St. James's, and brought them

safe in Learn hence, honest Britons, in spite of your

pains, That Orford's old coachman still governs the reins.

Derry down, &c.

VERSES

Occasioned by a quarrel between Mr. Fulding

and Mrs. Clive, on his intending for her the part of the Bawd in his own Play called the “Wedding Day."

poet?

“ A BAWD! a bawd !-where is the scoundrelo

[know it.” “ Fine work, indeed, by G-d the town shall Fielding, who heard and saw her passion rise, Thus answer'd calmly, “ Prithee Clive be wise, “ The part will fit your humour, taste, and size.”“ Ye lie, ye lie! ungrateful as thou art,

My matchless talent claims the lady's part ; “ And all who judge, by Jesus G-d agree, “ None ever played the gay coquet like me.” Thus said, and swore, this celebrated Nell,* Now judge her genius-is she Bawd or Belle ?

*

. She acted the character of Nell in the “ Wives Metamorphosed” most inimitably well. – The Wedding Day. was the last dramatic piece Fielding wrote. At the