Where  wider flows, and gathers fame,
A town there stands, and  is its name,
For useful arts, entitled once to share
The Mercian dame,  guardian care.
Nor less for feats of chivalry renown'd
When her own  was with her laurels crown'd.
Now indolence subjects the drowsy place,
And binds in silken bonds her feeble race.
No busy artisans their fellows greet,
No loaded carriages obstruct the street;
Scarce here and there a sauntring band is seen,
And pavements dread the turf's incroaching green.