John’s picture he so artfully had drest, Ambition’s flame now kindled in her breast. It is an apt old adage, known of course, ‘The Grey Mare often proves the better Horse.’ Her end she gain’d; but how, I’m not to name, For many thrifty Wives have done the same. True to her text, the prudent Dame was right, Our honest Grocer soon was dubb’d a Knight; Soon in the West, establish’d in his Bank, Strutted a man of Consequence and Rank. My Lady too, which is not vastly rare, She had her Mansion in St. James’s Square. Now Cards of invitation flew about, Sir John’s gay Dinners, and my Lady’s Rout. The Fashionable World would not decline To touch her Guineas, and to drink his Wine. Thus in gay Circles lavishly they sport, And Lady _Newcome_’s introduced at Court. John’s turn now came to enter on the Stage; And _Mr. Newcome_ now was all the Rage. John had perceived how much on wealth depends; He was surrounded by an Host of Friends: His lively skiff on Fashion’s surface floated, ’Twas but to ask, and Johnny was promoted. His Game in hand, so well he play’d his Cards, Renounc’d the Line, and glitter’d in the Guards; In fashion’s sportive ring set all agoing-- Deep at Newmarket, and at Brookes’s knowing. In love affairs John managed well his part, He had a golden rule to reach the heart. In the gay vortex now you see him dash, Lively, and volatile, but far from rash; Where dissipation led was always ready, But to his interest firm, and ever steady. Panting to shine in Military fame, For valourous Enterprize to get a Name, He with this feeling mingled with the bevy, And paid his humble duty at the Levee: He knew full well the miserable chance _Subs_ in the Line had ever to advance; He had strong claims to urge in his behalf, A Guardsman was a Passport to the Staff. A Captain now, he look’d for Higher Rank, And knew th’ influence of his Father’s Bank. But all in vain, the odious Regulation That fix’d the time of service to each Station, His object check’d; altho’ in his behest Sir John push’d forward all his interest. All would not do, nor interest, nor wealth, Nor all the wily stratagem of stealth, (Altho’ no doubt there was much deep finesse By some employed, unknown to his Highness), Could move the Duke, who, to his applause, Would not infringe the Military Laws: ‘If Captain _Newcome_’s ardour and his zeal ‘Panted for Honour, or his Country’s weal, ‘The Road to all was evident and plain.’ ‘Why then,’ says John, ‘I’ll to the Wars again. ‘And so, dear Dad, go speak in my behalf, ‘A word from you will get me on the Staff.’ Sir John was proud to see his boy high-mettled, So made his Bow, and every thing was settled. ‘Go then, my Son, rejoin that valiant Host, ‘Led by Old England’s pride, and Erin’s boast; ‘For him does every heart’s best wishes flow, ‘Who taught the Allies how to beat the Foe.’