The Independent Statesmen, and Liberal Landlord or a respectful tribute to T. W. Coke, M.P. for the County of Norfolk   By: James Parkerson

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In this candid address, Sir we beg to express, Our concern in observing the kingdom’s distress; In the senate we know sir you are never afraid, Our country’s foes to expose or upbraid; Upbraiding them now appears of no use, For a well tim’d remark they denote as abuse. Our yeomen of Norfolk most loudly complain, Of present taxation and low prices of grain; Your tenantry find to their sorrow and grief, No efforts are made to afford them relief: His Majesty speaks of their present distress; Yet points out no method to render it less. You set an example to those of the state, By giving assistance before ’tis too late; You drop your rentals, the disease for to cure, They shou’d cause a reduction in expenditure, By lopping of branches that injure the vine, They tell us such method wou’d cause a decline. The weather was fickle, the time did not suit, That ’twou’d injure the stem and sicken the root. To find out improvements so long they delay, Tho’ they know that the root is in daily decay; For the suckers so much of its virtue late drew, To remove it is better and plant one anew, Such, such is the case I fear of the nation, Was we to remove those now in high station; It’s just like a bankrupt who often ’tis found, His assets a shilling wont give to the pound: When you ask him the cause he’ll reluctantly say, The money is spent and my books thrown away. Should a bankruptcy happen to this nation at large, ’Tis not likely we ever the debt can discharge, What a pretty account wou’d our ministers give, Cou’d they say ’twas our plan to live and let live. They’d tell you that ministers know how to carve; For his M well, tho’ his good subjects starve. I will return to a more pleasing strain, And speak of your tenantry Sir, once again; So good are their crops, that it plainly foretell, They try hard to equal if not to excel; Their neighbours they find are as knowing as they, Can produce as much barley, good wheat or hay. As they themselves do off an acre of land, Yet neighbourly are, and will go hand in hand, To find out new methods the soil to improve, Or what is found hurtful to quickly remove; Sir your tenants are farmers who handsomely live, Who love wine themselves and will free a glass give. Attention to business they most strictly do pay; Not one of your tenants wastes his time away In fruitless amusements, yet happy to yield, A space from the cares of the world to the field. What adds to delight and what banished care, A good landlord’s presence enlivens them there. On your word they at all times can strictly rely, When assistance is needful, you do not deny To render them service that’s apprent in view, Your sanction they gain ere they bid you adieu... Continue reading book >>