  A GASTRONOMICAL CHAUNT. Sunt Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Virgo, Libraque et Arcitenens, Gemini, Caper, Amphora, Pisces. I. Of a tavern the Sun every month takes "the run," And a dozen each year wait his wishes; One month with old Prout he takes share of a trout, And puts up at the sign of The Fishes. ? 'Tis an old-fashioned inn, but more quiet within Than The Bull? or The Lion? —both boisterous; And few would fain dwell at The Scorpion ?-hÔtel, Or The Crab ?...But this last is an oyster-house. II. At the sign of The Scales ?fuller measure prevails; At The Ram ? the repast may be richer: Old GoËthe oft wrote at the sign of The Goat, ? Tho' at times he'd drop in at The Pitcher; ? And those who have stay'd at the sign of The Maid, ? In desirable quarters have tarried; While some for their sins must put up with The Twins, ? Having had the mishap to get married. III. But The Fishes ? combine in one mystical sign A moral right apt for the banquet; And a practical hint, which I ne'er saw in print, Yet a Rochefoucault maxim I rank it:— If a secret I'd hide, or a project confide, To a comrade's good faith and devotion, Oh! the friend whom I'd wish, though he drank like a fish, Should be mute as the tribes of the ocean. |
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