The busy Wharfingers, intent on gain ,
Their veſsels load — and ply the rattling crane.
The boatmen sit at ease, their pipes they smoak,
Or, with each other, crack a harmleſs joke;
Whilst some the sluices ope—the waters flow
In torrents, rushing, to the locks below,
Where, by the hedge-row masts, in numbers glide,
Boats, carts and coaches, paſsing side by side.
Just o'er the Union Mill-exact north east,
Behold a pile, which marks the owner's taste;
Where Elegance and neatness both unite,
And Duddeston[1] in splendor greets your sight.
On this side Washwood Heath[2] see Bennet's-Hill,[3]
And Saltley village—close by yonder mill.
More to the East are seen, majestic trees,
That court the freshneſs of each gentle breeze;
Whose spreading branches, thick, umbrageous fall,
Retir’d amidst their foliage-lies Vauxhall:[4]
A rural spot, where tradesmen oft repair
For relaxation, and to breathe fresh air:
The beauties of the place attractive prove,
To those who quiet and retirement love;
There, freed from toils and labours of the day,
Mechanics with their wives, or sweethearts, stray;
- ↑ Duddeston Hall, the seat of S. Galton, Esq.
- ↑ Residence of Jos. Sheldon, Eſq.
- ↑ The seat of W. Hutton, Esq. F.A.S.S. the ingenious Author of the History of Birmingham, &c. &c. &c.
- ↑ Vauxhall is a pleasant place, about a mile from the centre of the town.-In summer it furnishes amusements similar to those of London, music, &c.
