Decreed that whofoever should offend Against the well-known duties of a friend, But half a coat, and show his bosom bare, Oh happy Britain! we have not to fear Such hard and arbitrary measure here ; Elfe, could a law like that which I relate, Once have the fanction of our triple state, Some few, that I have known in days of old, Would run most dreadful risk of catching cold; While you, my friend, whatever wind fhould blow, Might traverse England fafely to and fro, An honest man, close-button'd to the chin, Broad-cloth without, and a warm heart within. |