The Wilmingtonian., 1823-10-30
THE POOR POET OF CRIppLEGATE

One night in the melancholy month of Novem.
ber, as was sitting in my garret by the side of a
fire with very little heat, and candle with very
little light, Illuminating on the various follies and
pursuits of men, refecting on the riches of some
and the indulgence of others; figuring in my mind
the waste, riot, and superfuity of many among
us poor mortals, and of my own excessive power.
tv, sometimes signing and wishing had strength
sufficient for bricklayer's labourer; at others,
my head reclining on my hand, my toe tapping,
and my mind philosorhlzing on the nature of man,
how few his real, h, " numerous his imaginary
wants, and how exceedingly happy and charitable
] could be, if had thirty pounds per year. In
the midst, say, OF these my cogitations, heard
double rap at the door, just | was distribu-
ting out of my plenty, half crown to blind
beggar, and bone to his dog. My revere was
at an end double rap was uncommon at the
door of the poor, the rich seldom called there
| listened. My landlady was gone out, and the
in,ercesson for admttance was repeated i took
my candle and ran down stairs My Imagination
hvrrled me away SO fast, that forgo, my waist
ccat was unbottoned, and that my old brown coat
had bu, one lap. knew not but it might be
som. lord who had accidentally heard of my po
verty and merit, and had flown to my relief
There are, doubtless, numberess lords and great
men who would have done it., had they heard of
me. 1t was not their fault. In my haste to get
down, one OF my old shoe slippers, and my wool
len night cap, flew OF The rain that half delu.
ped nv garret floor, informed me that must not
STAY to gather them up, the poor creature at the
door would be wet. opened the door to a
young LADY, thought at first it had been an an
gel. She started back little. Indeed had
been very i'll, and my clothes were not quite 50
good as could have wished she advanced, and
begged me in a trembling voice, to be sure i,
was a sweet one, that would let her stand in the
passage Tor a moment, and Shut the door, foi
she was apprehensive of being pursued by some
rude men, and being stranger, she knew not
bow 10 avoid them. Had she presented M with
a roll and red herring, instead of that far sol,
han il had not been half so welcome, though
cannot say but was very hungry. drew hei
III, and instantly shut the door l told her tina
the people belonging to the house did not happier
to be at home, but if she would kindly conde
scendto walk uT into my poor garret she shout,
be very welcome. To be sure, it is is but a poo
place, continued !, but indeed you shall be YER
welcome. Her eyes glistened--she looked as
she had not power to deny my request sh
sighed. led, and she followed. My night CA
and slipper were replaced 1 handed her tn
OILY chair in the room-l was sorry it had not
back. ! stood by the side of her, and observe,
her give timd glance round my poor garrrt
then turn her head away, wipe her eyes, and smc
ther the rising sgh-Indeed she was an ans 81
began to wish for riches, youth, and beail,s
while gazed upon her Vain and silly man
always wanting, never satisfied. What right ha
to be disconented, wish for any thing b,
what had--But man is never satisfied, rs | Sal
before.
Pray, sir, said the divine cherub, will YOU
kind enough to send for bottle Of wine TO tt
tavern over the way; ann somewhat faint. Ye
indeed would, replied, ifi had any money, wi
all my soul; but hope you--you will not be {
iended that have il not in my power-l am We
sorry for it. would ask them to trust me, b
Lam afraid they will not j; however, will Try, al
] will promise TO pay them as soon as can
hope they will not laugh at mel will try.
She caught hold Of my hand as turned abor
and almost drowned it with tears. Pray sir, sa
SHE, sobbing with pity and benevolencc, as
thought, do not be offended that | intrltde sh
npon you, be pleased 90 take this, presenting
her purse; am very hungry likewise, pray S
he So kind as to order them TO send me fowl,
any thing they have. Do not be offended o
that could entertain you according to my wis
e. said |, but pray 60 not send all this mon
by me, they perhaps may suspect that have s
len it. They may perceive nay they know, Il
an poor-I offered the purse, she received
tho thought she looked as if she wished wo,
Eeep it. she gave me guinea, and did
/ VS. desired. The wai,er followed me up stai
= c,ul3t say but imagined he had a very imr
.sat t:ud q = look, and rather an inquisiti