WILLIAM COWPER. In 1813 Leigh Hunt and his brother, as proprietors of _The Examiner_, were sentenced to undergo two years imprisonment, and each to pay a fine of five hundred pounds, for publishing an article in that paper containing the following remarks on the Prince Regent:―― “What person would imagine in reading these astounding eulogies in _The Morning Post_, that this ‘Glory of the people’ was the subject of millions of shrugs and reproaches! That this ‘Conqueror of Hearts’ was the disappointer of hopes! That this ‘Exciter of Desire’ (Bravo, _Morning Post_!), this ‘Adonis in Loveliness’ was a corpulent man of fifty! In short, this _delightful_, _blissful_, _wise_, _pleasureable_, _honourable_, _virtuous_, _true and immortal_ Prince was a violator of his word, a libertine over head and ears in disgrace, a despiser of domestic ties, the companion of gamblers and demireps, a man who has just closed half a century without one single claim on the gratitude of his country, or the respect of posterity.” The Hunts were informed that if they would undertake to abstain from commenting on the actions of the Prince Regent for the future, the sentence would be remitted. They declined to give the required undertaking, but paid their fines, and went to prison. The severity of the sentence caused great delight to the friends of the Prince Regent, and Theodore Hook wrote the following apropos parody of Cowper’s poem on Alexander Selkirk:―― VERSES. (Supposed to be written by the Editor of the _Examiner_, whilst in prison.) I am tenant of nine feet by four, My title no lawyer denies. From the ceiling quite down to the floor, I am lord of the spiders and flies. Oh, Justice! how awkward it is To be griped by thy terrible squad! I did but indulge in a _quiz_, And the Quorum have sent me to _quod_. Dear scandal is out of my reach, I must pass my dull mornings alone. Never hear Mr. Brougham make a speech, Nor get audience for one of my own! The people, provokingly quiet, My fate with indifference see: They are so unaccustomed to riot, Their tameness is shocking to me. Personality, libel, and lie, Ye supports of our Jacobite train, If I had but the courage to try, How soon I would sport you again! My ranklings I then might assuage By renewing my efforts to vex, By profaning the rev’rence of age, And attacking the weakness of sex. A libel! what treasure untold Resides in that dear little word, More rich than the silver and gold Which the Bank is reported to hoard! But the Bench have no bowels for pity, No stomach for high-seasoned leaven, And though we be never so witty, They trim us when judgment is given. O ye, who were present in Court, In pity convey to me here Some well-manufactured report, Of a lady, a prince, or a peer.