Much do I need, and therefore will I ask, A Muse to aid me in my present task; For then with special cause we beg for aid, When of our subject we are most afraid: Inns are this subject--'tis an ill-drawn lot; So, thou who gravely triflest, fail me not. Fail not, but haste, and to my memory bring Scenes yet unsung, which few would choose to sing: Thou mad'st a Shilling splendid; thou hast thrown On humble themes the graces all thine own; 10 By thee the Mistress of a village-school Became a queen, enthroned upon her stool; And far beyond the rest thou gav'st to shine Belinda's Lock--that deathless work was thine. Come, lend thy cheerful light, and give to please These seats of revelry, these scenes of ease; Who sings of Inns much danger has to dread, And needs assistance from the fountain-head. High in the street, o'erlooking all the place, The rampant Lion shows his kingly face; 20 His ample jaws extend from side to side, His eyes are glaring, and his nostrils wide; In silver shag the sovereign form is dress'd; A mane horrific sweeps his ample chest; Elate with pride, he seems t' assert his reign, And stands, the glory of his wide domain. Yet nothing dreadful to his friends the sight, But sign and pledge of welcome and delight: To him the noblest guest the town detains Flies for repast, and in his court remains; 30 Him too the crowd with longing looks admire, Sigh for his joys, and modestly retire; Here not a comfort shall to them be lost Who never ask or never feel the cost. The ample yards on either side contain Buildings where order and distinction reign;-- The splendid carriage of the wealthier guest, The ready chaise and driver smartly dress'd; Whiskeys and gigs and curricles are there, And high-fed prancers, many a raw-boned pair. 40 On all without a lordly host sustains The care of empire, and observant reigns; The parting guest beholds him at his side, With pomp obsequious, bending in his pride; Round all the place his eyes all objects meet, Attentive, silent, civil, and discreet. O'er all within the lady-hostess rules, Her bar she governs, and her kitchen schools; To every guest th' appropriate speech is made, And every duty with distinction paid: 50 Respectful, easy, pleasant, or polite-- "Your honour's servant--Mister Smith, good night." Next, but not near, yet honour'd through the town, There swing, incongruous pair! the Bear and Crown; That Crown suspended gems and ribands deck, A golden chain hangs o'er that furry neck. Unlike the nobler beast, the Bear is bound, And with the Crown so near him, scowls uncrown'd; Less his dominion, but alert are all Without, within, and ready for the call; 60 Smart lads and light run nimbly here and there,