Volume 4 — VERSES BY CANNING AGAINST ADDINGTON (1803). Source.—Stanhope’s Life of Pitt, 1862. Vol. iv., pp. 58, 59, 60.

Praise to placeless proud ability Let the prudent Muse disclaim; And sing the statesman—all civility— Whom moderate talents raise to fame. * * * * * Splendid talents are deceiving, Tend to counsels much too bold; Moderate men we prize, believing All that glitters is not gold. When the faltering periods flag, Or the House receives them drily, Cheer, oh cheer him, brother Bragge! Cheer, oh cheer him, brother Hiley! Each a gentleman at large, Lodged and fed at public charge, Paying, with a grace to charm ye, This the fleet, and that the army. Brother Bragge and brother Hiley, Cheer him! when he speaks so vilely; Cheer him! when his audience flag, Brother Hiley, brother Bragge. If blocks can from danger deliver, Two places are safe from the French: One is the mouth of the river, The other the Treasury Bench. Pitt is to Addington As London to Paddington.