LXXIII. There is an awkward thing which much perplexes, Unless like wise Tiresias we had proved By turns the difference of the several sexes; Neither can show quite how they would be loved. The sensual for a short time but connects usThe sentimental boasts to be unmoved; But both together form a kind of centaur, Upon whose back 'tis better not to venture. LXXIV. A something all-sufficient for the heart Is that for which the sex are always seeking: But how to fill up that same vacant part? There lies the rub-and this they are but weak in. Frail mariners afloat without a chart, [ing; They run before the wind through high seas breakAnd when they have made the shore through every 'Tis odd, or odds, it may turn out a rock. LXXV. There is a flower call'd "Love in Idleness,” [shock, For which see Shakspeare's ever blooming garden ; I will not make his great description less, And beg his British godship's humble pardon, If in my extremity of rhyme's distress, I touch a single leaf where he is warden ; - But though the flower is different, with the French Or Swiss Rousseau, cry ❝ Voilà la Pervenche!” (1) 66 (1) See "La Nouvelle Héloïse." LXXVI. Eureka! I have found it! What I mean An accessory, as I have cause to guess. Your men of business are not apt to express Much passion, since the merchant-ship, the Argo, Convey'd Medea as her supercargo. LXXVII. "Beatus ille procul!" from "negotiis," (1) Saith Horace; the great little poet's wrong; His other maxim, " Noscitur à sociis," Is much more to the of his song; purpose Though even that were sometimes too ferocious, Unless good company be kept too long; But, in his teeth, whate'er their state or station, Thrice happy they who have an occupation! LXXVIII. Adam exchanged his Paradise for ploughing, (1) Hor. Epod. Od, ii. LXXIX. And hence high life is oft a dreary void, A rack of pleasures, where we must invent A something wherewithal to be annoy'd. Bards may sing what they please about Content; Contented, when translated, means but cloy'd; And hence arise the woes of sentiment, Blue devils, and blue-stockings, and romances Reduced to practice, and perform'd like dances. LXXX. I do declare, upon an affidavit, Romances I ne'er read like those I have seen; Nor, if unto the world I ever gave it, Would some believe that such a tale had been: But such intent I never had, nor have it; Some truths are better kept behind a screen, LXXXI. "An oyster may be cross'd in love," (1)—and why? Because he mopeth idly in his shell, And heaves a lonely subterraqueous sigh, Much as a monk may do within his cell : And à-propos of monks, their piety With sloth hath found it difficult to dwell; (1) [See Sheridan's "Critic."] LXXXII. O Wilberforce! thou man of black renown, But there's another little thing, I own, Which you should perpetrate some summer's day, And set the other half of earth to rights; [whites. You have freed the blacks - LXXXIII. now pray shut up the Shut up the bald-coot (1) bully Alexander! Teach them that" sauce for goose is sauce for gander," Who eats fire gratis (since the pay's but small); LXXXIV. Shut up the world at large, let Bedlam out; (1) [The bald-coot is a small bird of prey in marshes. The Emperor Alexander was baldish.] LXXXV. Our gentle Adeline had one defect Her heart was vacant, though a splendid mansion; Her conduct had been perfectly correct, As she had seen nought claiming its expansion. A wavering spirit may be easier wreck'd, Because 'tis frailer, doubtless, than a stanch one; But when the latter works its own undoing, Its inner crash is like an earthquake's ruin. LXXXVI. She loved her lord, or thought so; but that love LXXXVII. There was no great disparity of years, Though much in temper; but they never clash'd They moved like stars united in their spheres, Or like the Rhone by Leman's waters wash'd, Where mingled and yet separate appears The river from the lake, all bluely dash'd (1) ["With many a weary step, and many a groan, Up the high hill he heaves the huge round stone: |