1811.

PRINCESS CHARLOTTE OF WALES'S
BIRTH-DAY,
AS CELEBRATED BY
COLONEL & MRS. MACLEOD, of COLBECKS.

ON THE SEVENTH OF JANUARY, AT No. 9, CRESCENT,

A POLLO from thy blessed seat,
Visit me now I do entreat,
And with thee the Muses bring,
Who may aid me as I sing,
Of a resplendant Godlike Fete,
Where Eighty People had a Treat,
The hospitable host had on a Plaid,
The sword too, was a present made,
Him, by his royal Patroness,
On whose account he made his Feast,
It was not as on former occasions,
Where people without any persuasions,
Were invited to eat, drink, dance, or sit,
And Play at Cards, as they thought fit,
But this was a moe solemn thing,
Because the malady of our King,
And the late death of his Relation,
Made it a very occasion,
For they had elings and must submit,
To their Maker's will who chose to inflict,
With dire disease our good King and Lord,
Which damped the spirits of all at the board,
The Company said all the fine things they were able
When they saw the GRAND PIE that lay on
the table,
With the arms of the Kingdom splendidly erected,
Which shewed how the illustrious donor respected
The HOST, who had made this elegant Fete,
And had annually made a similar Treat,
At half past eleven the appointed time,
Which the Company cheered with hearts pure
and sublime,
This Magnificent Pie the Pride of Col-Becks,
Was doomed to be cut though their hearts it did
To think that the gift of so royal a donor, [vex
Could not remain as a lasting honour,
The Col. arose, and with warmth and true zeal,
Spoke thus as follows admista loud peal.
" My friends & fellow subjects hear this my speech
" Give attention a few minutes I do you beseech,
" To the health of his Healthness pray take a glass,
" And let the full bottle now jovially pass,
" May she have a long and a glorious life,
" And may she never expose it in strife,
" It is with a feeling of pleasure and pain,
" I now address you, but must not complain,
" That the health of our King is in so bad a state
" Which is well known. And I need not relate
" That I am induced in some measure to forego,
" The mark of my love I usually shew
" It would not have been with my feelings combin'd
" Had I this day to oblivion consigned,
" And had my veneration for my Sovereign belov'd
" Made such a step in my mind approved

" The present which now before you, you find,
" Would have stamped ingratitude on my mind,
" Permit me my Friends, a few more words to say
" In Praise of this glorious and auspicious Day,
" The Day that gave my Illustrious Patroness Birth.
" God grant, she may prove a blessing to the Earth.
" In little things much Kindness you all may see
" Behold the PYE! enough! she gave it ME !
" And if I have not on your time intruded,
" I beg leave to say that I have concluded,"
Then followed his Majesty, whose health was drank.
In a stile and manner as suited his rank,
May the Almighty restore him to his wonted health.
Blessed in his Subjects, enjoying Peace, and Wealth.
Our Virtuous Queen came in for her share,
As incemparable, excellent, and rare,
The Prince was next given and as gladly received,
And joy from their exulting bosoms they heaved.
Capt. Rickets of the Navy to which he is an honor
Gave Col. Macleod and the regiment of the donor,
The Col. begged leave as amendments bore sway
The Amendment of the late regiment to say,
Several other toasts by the company were drank,
Each suiting their stations, their lives & their rank'
At length the Capt. gave the wife of the HOST,
Which was received as an excellent TOAST,
The toasts were concluded by Mr. Bangwell's giving
The noble Earl of Moira and the Countess of
Louden,

During the repast at the hospitable board
With rapture they view'd the shining drawn sword
When a Gentleman present was sheathing it,
The Col. with promptitude, and Ready wit,
With great enthusiasm said " do not so,
" That must be left for MY PRINCE to do."
So bright was the lustre of the sparkling champagne,
It reflected new light on the Diamonds again
The amiable Hostess dressed in splendid attire,
Her Grace, Ease, and Manners, all must admire,
And believe me I shall state nothing wrong
When I say she was first, among the first of the thong
At a late hour the Company were forced to withdraw
Pleased and delighted with all they met and saw,
My Muse smiles content, and bids me say,
The PLAID & SWORD were the order of the Day

Such true Zeal, Loyalty, Worth and Veneration,
Shewn by the HOST, must astonish the nation,
Hence forward let the United Kingdom boast,
Macleod of Col-Becks has deserved the most,
The prosperous land of Cakes shall joyfully sing,
Hail noble Macleod! and God save the King.

Shenton, Printer, Cheltenham