From Memory's store the sportive muse may glean The charms that gild awhile the careless scene-- The song, the anecdote, the bet, the joke, The steaming viands, and the circling smoke-- The racy cider-cup, or brisk champagne, Long prompt the merriment and rouse the strain; Till Pleasure, sated of the loaded board, Seeks what amusement fresher scenes afford. Some prove their skill in fence--some love to box-- Some thirst for vengeance on the dastard fox; Each by his fav'rite sport's enchanting power, Cheats of its tediousness the flying hour. Now the dull court a short siesta takes, For scarce a footstep her still echo wakes, Save where the prowling duns their victim scout, And seize the spendthrift wretch that dares steal out. Come, let us wander to the river's bank, And learn what charm collects yon breathless rank; The hope or horror pictured in each face Marks the excitement of the coming race. Hark! o'er the waters booms the sound of strife; Now the hush'd voices leap at once to life; Now to their toil the striving oarsmen bend; Now their gay hues the flaunting banners blend; Now leap the wavedrops from the flashing oar; Now the woods echo to the madd'ning roar; Now hot th' enthusiastic crowd pursue, And scream hoarse praises on the unflinching crew; Now in one last wild chance each arm is strained; One panting struggle more--the goal is gained. A scene like this, what stream can boast beside? Scarce rival Isis on her fairer tide.[25] But think not thus could live the rower's power, Save long privation steeled him for the hour. The couch relinquished at the voice of morn, The toilsome exercise, the cup forsworn, The frugal dinner, and scarce-tasted wine-- Are these no sacrifice at glory's shrine? Thus with new trophies shall his walls be graced-- Each limb new strengthened, and each nerve new braced. Some idlers to the pavements keep their feet, And strut and ogle all the passing street. And if 'tis Sunday's noon, on King's Parade,[26] See the smug tradesman too and leering maid; See the trim shop-boy cast his envious eye On Topling's waistcoat and on Sprightly's tie, Bravely resolved to hoard his labour's fruit, And ape their fancies in his next new suit.