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Library / Literature & Fiction

The Borough

by George Crabbe

Pages
about 247
Category
Literature & Fiction
Language
English
Reading time
4.5 h at 250 wpm
Start readingThe whole book, as cards or one word at a time. 2.5 h at 450 wpm in Read mode.

From the opening

These did the ruler of the deep ordain, To build proud navies and to rule the main. POPE, Homer's Iliad.

Such scenes has Deptford, navy-building town, Woolwich and Wapping, smelling strong of pitch; Such Lambeth, envy of each band and gown, And Twickenham such, which fairer scenes enrich. POPE, Imitation of Spencer.

. . . . . . . . . . . Et cum coelestibus undis Aequoreae miscentur aquae: caret ignibus aether, Caecaque nox premitur tenebris hiemisque suisque; Discutient tamen has, praebentque micantia lumen Fulmina: fulmineis ardescunt ignibus undae. OVID, Metamorphoses.

The Difficulty of describing Town Scenery--A Comparison with certain Views in the Country--The River and Quay--The Shipping and Business- -Shipbuilding--Sea-Boys and Port-Views--Village and Town Scenery again compared--Walks from Town--Cottage and adjoining Heath, &c.-- House of Sunday Entertainment--The Sea: a Summer and Winter View--A Shipwreck at Night, and its Effects on Shore--Evening Amusements in the Borough--An Apology for the imperfect View which can be given of these Subjects.

"DESCRIBE the Borough"--though our idle tribe May love description, can we so describe, That you shall fairly streets and buildings trace, And all that gives distinction to a place? This cannot be; yet moved by your request A part I paint--let Fancy form the rest. Cities and towns, the various haunts of men, Require the pencil; they defy the pen: Could he who sang so well the Grecian fleet, So well have sung of alley, lane, or street? Can measured lines these various buildings show, The Town-Hall Turning, or the Prospect Row? Can I the seats of wealth and want explore, And lengthen out my lays from door to door?

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