The Bankrupt; Or, Advice to the Insolvent. A Poem, addressed to a friend, with other pieces

In this vivid early‑nineteenth‑century poem, a once‑reckless young man confides to an old friend about the chain of choices that led him from carefree revelry to crushing indebtedness. He recalls nights of gambling, drinking, and foolish pride, then describes the relentless march of creditors, the courtroom interrogations, and the desperate hope that mercy might spare him from prison. The speaker’s voice swings between rueful self‑critique and practical advice, offering a candid look at the legal rituals that governed bankruptcy in his day.

The collection continues with shorter pieces that turn the same keen eye toward marriage, social reputation, and the fragile balance between wealth and virtue. These companion poems echo the central theme of personal responsibility while painting a broader picture of ordinary lives tangled in the law and moral expectations of the period. Listeners will hear a blend of lyrical honesty and historical detail that brings the anxieties of a bygone age to life.