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    The Exciseman Outwitted.

TO a village that skirted the sea
   An exciseman one Midsummer came,
But prudence between you me,
   Forbids me to mention his name ;
Soon Michael he chanc'd to espy,
   A cask on his napper he bore,
With six gallons of brandy or nigh,
   And where is the head can bear more ?

Says the Exciseman, " Let's see your permit ;"
   Says Mike, " 'Tant convenient to shew it ;
T'other cried, " Sir, I am not to be bit,
   " For you've smuggled that stuff and you know it ;
" Your hogs to a fine market you've brought,
   " For seeing you've paid no excise,
" As customs have settl'd you ought,
   " I seize on your tub as my prize."

" Now don't be so hard," said poor Mike ;
   The exciseman was deaf to complaint ;
" Why then take it, (says Mike) if you like,
   For I've borne it till ready to faint."

Four miles in the sunshine they trudg'd,
   Till on them they'd scarce a dry rag,
Th' Exciseman his labour ne'er grudg'd,
   But cheerfully carry'd the cag.

To the custom-house in the next town
   'Twas yet some three furlongs or more,
When, said Michael, " Pray set your load down,
   " For this here, Sir, is my cottage door :"
T'other answer'd—" I thank you friend, no ;
   " My burthen just yet I shan't quit :"
" Then," said Michael, before you do go,
   " I'll just get you to read my permit."

" Your permit ! why not shew it before ?"
   " Because it came into my nob,
" By your watching for me on the shore,
   That your worship was wanting a job ;
" Now I'd need of a porter, d'ye see,
   " For that load made my bones fit to crack ;
" And so, Sir, I thank you for me,
   " And wish you a pleasant walk back."

Printed by R. Harrild, 20, Great Eastcheap.