Impromptu, on Mrs. W. Riddell’s Birthday, 4th Novr. 1793

OLD Winter, with his frosty beard,
Thus once to Jove his prayer preferred.
What have I done of all the year,
To bear this hated doom severe?
My cheerless suns no pleasure know;
Night's horrid car drags, dreary, slow:
My dismal months no joys are crowning,
But spleeny English, hanging, drowning.

Now, Jove, for once be mighty civil.
To counter balance all this evil;
Give me, and I 've no more to say,
Give me MARIA's natal day!
That brilliant gift shall so enrich me,
Spring, Summer, Autumn, cannot match me.

'Tis done!!! says Jove: so ends my story,
And Winter once rejoiced in glory.