1804 July 18, to Henry & Francis Cope

              [7/18/04] 

Dear Henry and Francis, perhaps it may be Some amusement to you, if it is not to me, To hear some account of the feats and adventures Achiev'd by our Sancho the Knight of indentures - Or least that a Title too dignified sound. Our sombre-hued Squire of fame so renown'd. 

'Twas just at departng, last seventh day morn- Ah! cruel to mention a plight so for lorn! - That filled with conceit of his prowess and might So forward and handy, and snugly [-------], He brought up a Beast to the watering tide - A Task which had piqued his ambition and pride - When swelling with courage, as boldly he rode. Full headlong he fell, and came splash in the flood! - Oh had you beheld him, how sheepish he stood! - So meek - and so rueful - all dripping with mud -Well sous'd in a Cooler, his zeal to allay, In the height of his Glory, a Horse-man so gay! Your sides would have ach'd or been ready to burst, To see such a mournful and sudden reverse! - But so it is often - dear Children beware - Nor mount you high Horse, with too confident Air - Pride, like a false Beast, may exalt you on high. Then suddenly plunge you, where low ye may lie, Fit subjects, and objects for Mirth to deride, A Butt for all those who have witness'd your pride. But far better things shall I hope and with cause If you love your Creator, and walk in his Laws. Poor Tillman, however, no'er dream'd. I'll be bound, Of Pride, or of harm, till he came to the ground, Unconscious of mischief impending, till time Brought forth the event, to be hitch'd in a rhyme -. How a Jaunt was in concert he very well knew, Which [-------] his distress, to know what he should do;- No Garments had he to excange for his duds, So he almost was literally left in the suds-