Oxford Newsman's Verses: For the Year 1771, The. 
By Warton, Thomas. 


Delicious news -a war with Spain!
New rapture fires our Christmas strain.
Behold, to strike each Briton's eyes,
What bright victorious scenes arise!
What paragraphs of English glory
Will Master Jackson set before ye!
The Governor of Buenos Ayres
Shall dearly pay for his vagaries;
For whether North or whether Chatham
Shall rule the roast, we must have-at-'em:
Galloons -Havannah -Porto Bello, - 
Ere long will make the nation mellow: - 
Our late trite themes we view with scorn,
Bellas the bold, and Parson Horne;
Nor more, through many a tedious winter,
The triumphs of the patriot Squinter,
The Ins and Outs, with cant eternal,
Shall crowd each column of our Journal. - 
After a dreary season past,
Our turn to live is come at last:
Gen'rals, and Admirals, and Jews,
Contractors, Printers, Men of News,
All thrive by war, and line their pockets,
And leave the works of peace to blockheads.

But stay, my Muse, this hasty fit - 
The war is not declared as yet;
And we, though now so blithe we sing,
May all be pressed to serve the King!
Therefore, meantime, our masters dear,
Produce your hospitable cheer: - 
While we, with much sincere delight,
(Whether we publish news -or fight)
Like England's undegenerate sons,
Will drink -confusion to the Dons!