The Lion's Masquerade

 
“To give very shortly, a grand Masquerade.
Tho’ the Butterfly’s ball, and the Grasshopper’s feasts,
Were too mean for my notice, as King of the beasts;
Now the Peacock has chosen to give a fine rout,
Which is heard of so much, is so blazon’d about,
Has excited such rapture, and warm approbation,
As threatens the rank which we hold in creation.
Then with diligence, love, for my banquet prepare,
And mind all the beasts of the forest are there.”
’Twas the task of the Jackal the tickets to pen,
“The Lion sees masks, on the twentieth, at ten.”
It would take a whole volume distinctly to name,
The answer on answer that following came.
There were some that were sick from the changeable weather,
And some long engag’d in snug parties together.
But few, very few would refuse such a thing,
As a grand entertainment announc’d by their King.
All devoted the time now to due preparation,
To decide on their character, dress, decoration.
At length Phœbus dawn’d on the long wish’d-for day
Which their beauty, their talents, and wit should display.
What licking, and cleaning, what endless adorning,
Not a creature stirr’d out the whole course of the morning;
And some of their dresses were barely complete,
At the time they were punctually order’d to meet,
The Lioness, willing to sanction the rest,
With a helmet, and spear, as Britannia was drest;
But the Lion, as lord of the banquet, remain’d
In the same noble figure that Nature ordain’d;
And crouching beside her, with dignified mien,
Contributed much to the state of his Queen.
The Jackal Lord Chamberlain waited upon her,