James, Poems on several occasions (1742)

Poems on several occasions. By Nicholas James.  1742

“Prudently set the horseman’s habit by;

the boot will freedom to thy leg deny,

The cumbrous coat retard thy elbow’s sway.

And on thy limbs an ill-tim’d pressure lay.

Nor let thy vanity itself attest,

Gayly expos’d in an embroider’d vest,

Nor should the ruffled shirt be seen:

Leave these to the spectators of the green.

A sportsman should the strong poldavy wear:

if such the sticklers of the ring prepare,

Thy heart shall know no sumptuary fear

Lest the fine holland shirt or waistcoat tear;

And the gay dress, which now thy friend waits,

Shall from thy side depend in wonted Plaits.”

With grateful thanks to Stephen Curtin who provided this from his private collection.