Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, INSCRIPTION FOR THE DOOR OF [BROWNRIGG'S] CELL IN NEWGATE, by GEORGE CANNING


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

INSCRIPTION FOR THE DOOR OF [BROWNRIGG'S] CELL IN NEWGATE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: For one long term, or e'er her trial came / here brownrigg linger'd
Last Line: When france shall reign, and laws be all repealed!
Variant Title(s): Imitation Of Southey
Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Southey, Robert (1774-1843); Convicts


[THE PRENTICE-CIDE, WAS CONFINED PREVIOUS TO HER EXECUTION]

FOR one long term, or e'er her trial came,
Here Brownrigg lingered. Often have these cells
Echoed her blasphemies, as with shrill voice
She sereamed for fresh Geneva. Not to her
Did the blithe fields of Tothill, or thy street,
St, Giles, its fair varieties expand;
Till at the last, in slow-drawn cart, she went
To execution. Dost thou ask her crime?
SHE WHIPPED TWO FEMALE PRENTICES TO DEATH,
AND HID THEM IN THE COAL-HOLE. For her mind
Shaped strietest plans of discipline. Sage schemes!
Such as Lyeurgus taught, when at the shrine
Of the Orthyan Goddess he bade flog
The little Spartans; such as erst chastised
Our Milton, when at college. For this act
Did Brownrigg swing. Harsh laws! But time shall come,
When France shall reign, and laws be all repealed!





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