Midsummer Idylls. Canto Ii Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: A BCBCCDCDD A EFEFFGFHI A JBJBBKBKK L MBMBBJBJN N OPOPPAPNA A BQBQQRQRR A SBSBBCBCC A TTTTTBTBB B UMUMMVMVW B XYXYYZYZZ B BA2BA2A2TA2TB B B2BB2BBMBMM B BQBQQTQC2C2 A D2ED2EEE2EE2E2 A BF2BF2F2TF2EE A G2H2G2H2D2AD2AA A EEEEEBEBB A I2J2I2K2K2L2K2L2L2 B AK2EK2K2BK2BB B K2EK2EEXEXX QK2QK2 K2BK2B M2EM2E K2BK2B QEQE TBTB N2EN2E B BBBBBK2BK2K2 B BABAAQAQQ B K2K2K2K2K2XK2XX A TK2TK2K2K2K2K2K2 A O2QO2QQBQBB A K2EK2EEP2EQ2P2 A QQQQQTQTT A QK2QK2K2K2K2K2K2 B QAQAATAC2T Q EQEQQK2QK2K2 Q EK2EK2K2QK2QQ Q TQTQEQQQQ Q QEQEETETT A QQQQQEQEE A QK2QK2K2EK2EE A EEEEEL2EL2L2 A TETEEK2EK2K2 A R2K2R2K2K2EK2EE E TQTQQEQEE Q K2S2K2S2S2K2S2K2K2 Q K2TK2TEQTQQ Q EEEEEEEEE Q S2K2S2K2K2TK2TT A K2TK2TTQTQQ A K2QK2QQQQQQ A EEEEEK2EK2K2 A K2K2K2K2K2QK2QQ A QEQEETETT E ETETTK2TK2K2 Q K2K2K2K2K2K2K2K2K2 E K2K2K2K2K2TK2TT E QEQEEK2EK2K2 E EK2EK2K2K2K2K2K2 A K2K2K2K2K2TK2TK2 A EK2EK2K2EK2EE A K2EK2EEK2EK2K2 A QK2T2K2K2K2K2K2K2 A S2K2S2K2K2QK2QQ E TS2TS2S2QS2QQ E K2EK2EEK2EK2K2 E EK2EK2K2QK2QQ Q EK2EK2K2K2K2K2K2 Q QEQEEK2EK2K2 A EK2EK2K2QK2QQ A TETEEQEQQ A K2K2K2K2K2TK2TT A QK2QK2K2EK2EE A TATAAQAQQ Q QQQQQQQQQ Q QEQEEK2EK2K2 Q QEQEEQEQQ Q EQEQQEQEE Q QTQTTTTTT A QEQEEK2EK2K2 A QEQEEEEEE E TTTTTQTQQ Q QTQT EK2EK2 QK2QK2 E S2K2S2K2K2K2K2K2K2 E B2TB2TTK2TK2K2 Q QEQEEEEEE Q K2K2K2K2K2TK2TT Q EK2EK2K2QK2QQ Q ETETTK2TK2K2 Q ETETTETEE E K2QK2QQK2QK2K2 E QEQEEEEQQ E K2QK2QQK2QK2K2 E K2EK2EEQEQQ E TK2TK2K2K2K2K2K2 Q ETETTK2TK2K2 Q QQQQQQQQQ Q QK2QK2K2QK2QQ Q K2K2K2K2K2TK2TT Q K2QK2QQK2QK2K2 Q EEEEEEEEE E EK2EK2K2EK2EE E QQQQQK2QK2K2 E S2QS2QQEQEE E QQQQQTQTT Q K2K2K2K2K2QK2QQ Q QQQQQTQTT Q EK2EK2K2K2K2K2K2 Q QQQQQQQQQ Q EK2EK2K2QK2QK2 E QQQQQS2QS2S2 E QK2QK2K2QK2QQ E K2K2K2K2K2K2K2K2K2 E QQQQQTQTT E QQQQQTQS2T Q QTQTTETEE Q U2QU2QQQQQQ Q QQQQQQQQQ Q QQQQQEQEE Q QTQTTETEE E V2QV2QQQQQQ E QQQQQEQEE E QQQQQQQQQ E TQTQQQQQQ

I	A
	-
Good day and how d'ye do my friends and neighbours	B
I must have dozed upon my easy chair	C
I feel refreshed and recommence my labours	B
And urge my soaring Pegasus through air	C
Nor ask his destination or his fare	C
It matters not to me and I resume	D
But not to dose you more than you can bear	C
To take my flight with others I presume	D
And why not so my friends since there's no lack of room	D
	-
	-
II	A
	-
You know I am a careless sort of fellow	E
On whom no living being spends a wink	F
So stand aside and let me have my bellow	E
You surely will not grudge me pen and ink	F
I've little doubt that if you stop to think	F
You'll recollect I've met you once before	G
I'm not the humbug who would wish to shrink	F
From friends of old and so let's have your paw	H
Of course 'twere better we were friendly to be sure	I
	-
	-
III	A
	-
You know my failing and you will forgive it	J
Or lump it p'raps to use a common phrase	B
Yet as with most objections you'll outlive it	J
Before the lapse of very many days	B
The fact is this I never look for praise	B
And never want it for I quite intend	K
To abandon rhyming and amend my ways	B
And utilise the moments that I spend	K
In such like nonsense towards a more befitting end	K
	-
	-
IV	L
	-
I have my likes great likes great dislikes too	M
'Twere well did I just one or two rehearse	B
I hate to see a fool his ways renew	M
I hate to see a youngster scribbling verse	B
And now my friends just think what can be worse	B
Than wasting time when we've so little of it	J
But waywardness will surely prove a curse	B
They tell me that I ought to be above it	J
That is to say my kinsfolk and belov d	N
	-
	-
V	N
	-
But something strange impels me to the task	O
And here am I complaining while I write	P
Of human nature Of myself I ask	O
Now am I doing wrong or doing right	P
'Tis hard indeed I find it so to fight	P
However perseveringly I try	A
And more particularly so to night	P
Against this most uncouth propensity	N
Most likely tho' I shall grow wiser by and bye	A
	-
	-
VI	A
	-
But I'll proceed I never see the use	B
Of giving up a task when once begun	Q
Besides it's nonsense urging an excuse	B
Just let me end my tale and I am done	Q
Why there's the breakfast bell and ten to one	Q
Those girls are fast asleep and what d'ye bet	R
And Julia's just been waking them what fun	Q
Ah very well you've lost and don't forget	R
That you are now let's see a florin in my debt	R
	-
	-
VII	A
	-
The girls were late indeed and no mistake	S
Unutterably tired I should say	B
But Julia said they all were wide awake	S
And so 'twas useless making more delay	B
Mamma proceeded in her usual way	B
To order in the breakfast then and there	C
Concluding 'twas the excitement yesterday	B
For waiting long was more than she could bear	C
So after having kissed papa she took her chair	C
	-
	-
VIII	A
	-
Papa consulted the barometer	T
To gain some knowledge of the coming weather	T
Then stared and took out his chronometer	T
Remarking it was funny altogether	T
He rang the bell in order to know whether	T
His daughters really had begun to dress	B
And Julia quite as light as any feather	T
Swept in and pertly answered Yes Sir yes	B
Much to his satisfaction doubtless you may guess	B
	-
	-
IX	B
	-
They all came down to find the breakfast cold	U
And there was then and there a great to do	M
Mamma felt very much disposed to scold	U
And answered their excuses with pooh pooh	M
I think 'twas rather too bad tho' don't you	M
Since they had done the very best they could	V
To entertain their visitors all through	M
But there she only scolded for their good	V
And 'twas not well for them o'er such like things to brood	W
	-
	-
X	B
	-
For several days they were not quite the thing	X
To judge from all appearances at least	Y
Their youthful levity had taken wing	X
And all excursions for the present ceased	Y
And momently their restlessness increased	Y
The sketch was left unheeded incomplete	Z
The slippers they were knitting ere the feast	Y
And faded garlands strewed the arbour seat	Z
Now silent and neglected was that cool retreat	Z
	-
	-
XI	B
	-
But still this feeling's always more or less	B
Shortlived I find it so at any rate	A2
Altho' not always easy to repress	B
We very soon reclaim our normal state	A2
'Twas so in this case happy to relate	A2
For soon they all were lark like as before	T
With all their usual buoyancy innate	A2
Indeed they took to frolic more and more	T
They were the liveliest feminines one ever saw	B
	-
	-
XII	B
	-
It somehow chanced one night they could not sleep	B2
They did not even doze but wakeful lay	B
Oblivion's mists their senses did not steep	B2
Whatever was the cause I cannot say	B
So they commenced to chat the time away	B
Their rooms were quite convenient for it too	M
Then on to various topics did they stray	B
And long forgotten converse did renew	M
No doubt 'twas quite enjoyable they thought so too	M
	-
	-
XIII	B
	-
At last of course they didn't wish to doze	B
Preferring to prolong the conversation	Q
And still suggestions one by one arose	B
Which only met with their disapprobation	Q
And jokes were cracked in lively alternation	Q
From sundry rappings peal on peal afar	T
Occasioning surprise and consternation	Q
I'm half afraid that they awoke Mama	C2
And dozing sweetly too most likely their papa	C2
	-
	-
XIV	A
	-
This was effectual to some extent	D2
They brought their voices down to somewhat low	E
T' arouse the slumb'ring folks they never meant	D2
Whom they'd disturbed so much a while ago	E
So they arranged at once that both should go	E
To Dora's bedroom if they wished to speak	E2
And trip it on the light fantastic toe	E
But oh dear how those stupid boards did creak	E2
As both of them their darling sister's room did seek	E2
	-
	-
XV	A
	-
The lamp was lighted and the apparatus	B
For making coffee speedily prepared	F2
The cups were steaming with an odor gratus	B
They thought not of the hour and little cared	F2
How far advanced the night and gaily fared	F2
On Spanish rusks and coffee whilst the cry	T
Of cockerel answered cockerel and they shared	F2
The bountiful repast delightedly	E
And chatted over several matters merrily	E
	-
	-
XVI	A
	-
With robe de chambre and slippers each one seemed	G2
To be exactly in her element	H2
While from each dimpled cheek a beauty beamed	G2
A rosy flush of blossoms redolent	H2
Moreover each one's deshabille had lent	D2
A careless grace which numbers can't convey	A
As tho' fair Venus all her arts had spent	D2
In rendering them beautiful as day	A
Or had transformed each fondling to a fairy fay	A
	-
	-
XVII	A
	-
And there they sweetly lounged in statu quo	E
More beautiful than words can ever tell	E
In fact a tiny sprig of mistletoe	E
I should have deemed quite indispensable	E
So greatly did their excellence excel	E
All evanescent beauty in man's eyes	B
The loveliest primrose in the greenest dell	E
The lithest form man e'er did idolize	B
Fairer than fleece like cloudlets of the southern skies	B
	-
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XVIII	A
	-
Now Flora oped the casement for she sought	I2
The realm of silent Night The breezes soft	J2
Swept o'er her brow and cooled each burning thought	I2
And calmly bore each tranquil prayer aloft	K2
She sniffed the balmy air and lightly quaffed	K2
The faint and mellow perfumes as they came	L2
And gazed abstractedly as she so oft	K2
Had done before Who would not do the same	L2
And fondly praise his Maker's most belov d name	L2
	-
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XIX	B
	-
Below the pebbly rill like the fond sigh	A
Of maiden's love was whispering to the night	K2
While on its breast the star lit canopy	E
Reflected clear the bosom did invite	K2
To share its holy peace its still delight	K2
And join the drowsy nocturnes that arose	B
Hushing all nature to a slumber light	K2
And soothing down on pillows of repose	B
All weary mortals' earthly turmoils cares and woes	B
	-
	-
XX	B
	-
And summer dews had steeped the verdant sod	K2
The moon rays shimmered o'er the spangled lea	E
And taught the soul the eloquence of God	K2
Tinging the far horizon o'er the sea	E
With silver film and sheeny filigree	E
While o'er the gray expanse with trembling wing	X
The ling'ring zephyr hovered sleepily	E
And faintly breathed o'er every dormant thing	X
Its soft sad benediction This did Flora sing	X
	-
Oh Night beneath thy dark domain	Q
How oft the human heart has bled	K2
But here a holy peace doth reign	Q
And now my soul is comforted	K2
	-
Sublimest Monarch teach my breast	K2
To speak the phantasy it feels	B
O take my heart to be thy guest	K2
And stay thy sombre chariot wheels	B
	-
Thy course is bent thro' clouds on them	M2
Thy path thou takest o'er the sea	E
Ten myriad worlds thy diadem	M2
Oh take me to abide with thee	E
	-
Thy sceptre 'tis with points of light	K2
Begemmed thy retinues advance	B
And feeble Nature owns thy might	K2
The splendour of thy countenance	B
	-
The moon thy lamp the flaming sun	Q
Thy harbinger take thou my soul	E
Now bounding forth thy race to run	Q
To thy Imperial Capitol	E
	-
O let my spirit wander o'er	T
Thy sable woods and feel their sighs	B
And float upon thy Stygian shore	T
And revel in its mysteries	B
	-
O but to mingle with thy throng	N2
Partaker in thy flight to be	E
A portion of that spirit song	N2
A spirit minister to thee	E
	-
	-
XXI	B
	-
They soon were rather weary and methinks	B
Their chirp like chatter did grow somewhat less	B
Now one would rouse herself from forty winks	B
Another doze in sweet unconsciousness	B
Indeed it was high time as you may guess	B
They should disperse they wisely thought so too	K2
Then kissed and smiled and each one did confess	B
Such pranks as these would never never do	K2
Of course they'd have to meet the scolding that they knew	K2
	-
	-
XXII	B
	-
Their dreams were peopled with all forms and shapes	B
That nightmare with its horrors can conceive	A
Egyptian sphynxes down to Barb'ry apes	B
Entangled in all nets that dreams can weave	A
They struggled to get liberty and leave	A
The meshy maze yet struggled all in vain	Q
Such horribles you never could believe	A
I wonder if they all transgressed again	Q
As then thus pleasure's always found preceding pain	Q
	-
	-
XXIII	B
	-
Rose like the others saw the wrong she did	K2
Personified in dreams while on her chest	K2
In slow descent an Eastern Pyramid	K2
Came down to crush her flat she did her best	K2
Like dreaming people do when so distressed	K2
To move from underneath the cruel thing	X
When up came Ju to know if she were dressed	K2
And if she heard the bell for breakfast ring	X
Surprised indeed so late to find her slumbering	X
	-
	-
XXIV	A
	-
She heard it yes but with a dreaming ear	T
Just as the pile above her did descend	K2
She heard the funeral knell she saw the bier	T
Which was to seal her most unpleasant end	K2
But fortunately then Mama did send	K2
The housemaid to inform the time of day	K2
The Spinx etcetera did their ways amend	K2
Politely bowed took wing and flew away	K2
Rose wished them all good morning with no more delay	K2
	-
	-
XXV	A
	-
The girls went down to breakfast with a look	O2
Which spoke guilt shame and terror all in one	Q
Each sigh was language and each glance a book	O2
Narrating all the mischief they had done	Q
And cowering conscience cautioned them to shun	Q
The searching lectures of parental eyes	B
But still the dark ordeal had begin	Q
For Mama swelled to a terrific size	B
And Pater looked around the room in mute surprise	B
	-
	-
XXVI	A
	-
Then glances were exchanged and both declared	K2
Such freaks as these again must never be	E
Their Ma demanded how they even dared	K2
Since they'd been naughty to the last degree	E
Ejaculating faintly Goodness me	E
With various interjections of alarm	P2
Stamping with anger at the guilty three	E
But 'twas not long e'er she again was calm	Q2
And all her daughters knew of course she meant no harm	P2
	-
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XXVII	A
	-
But this unhappy circumstance was soon	Q
Like such unpleasantnesses were forgotten	Q
All things were tolerably straight by noon	Q
For family disputes are hell begotten	Q
So they betook them to their knitting cotton	Q
And felt themselves forgiven as they were	T
They said that lesson should be unforgotten	Q
Such nonsense never should again occur	T
So they had asked their parents' pardon I infer	T
	-
	-
XXVIII	A
	-
Days had not only sped but galloped on	Q
As they expressed it e'er they could turn round	K2
Before they were aware the month had gone	Q
The first of August too had come they found	K2
A fact which seemed the household to astound	K2
On which date I imagine they designed	K2
A short excursion by the pleasant sound	K2
Of tossing waters wild and unconfined	K2
In following this suggestion they were not behind	K2
	-
	-
XXIX	B
	-
It was the first of August now I know	Q
A day that's most unlucky I believe	A
As I for one have always found it so	Q
Then ask Astrologers who can't deceive	A
For I myself was surely doomed to grieve	A
Selected by some most ill omened star	T
'Twas then but why I really can't conceive	A
That I was introduced to my Mama	C2
From then she always wished me over at Malabar	T
	-
	-
XXX	Q
	-
I mean to say that I was born unlucky	E
My mother never danced me up and down	Q
I never once was designated ducky	E
Nor rolled within the doubles of her gown	Q
Nor dandled as when fondlings go to town	Q
Nor kissed and snuggled when I went to bed	K2
Or rather when conveyed there with a frown	Q
A downright shaking and a smarting head	K2
To me no coaxing sweet appeal was made when fed	K2
	-
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XXXI	Q
	-
I don't know if the Pythagorean theory	E
Is quite to be relied upon or spurned	K2
I'm half afraid this must remain a query	E
As far as my enquiries are concerned	K2
For theories are by theories overturned	K2
And what a wise man says a coon disputes	Q
For my part I must leave it with the learned	K2
And those who play the fool with such pursuits	Q
I take the first that comes or anyone which suits	Q
	-
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XXXII	Q
	-
But if that version of the matter's true	T
I must have suffered for my previous sin	Q
Some former life of follies what think you	T
Some other mischief I've been joining in	Q
But what's the use of idle pondering	E
On things so troublesome and as abstruse	Q
It were prepost'rous even to begin	Q
What was there that could possibly induce	Q
Pythagoras to turn his pen to such a use	Q
	-
	-
XXXIII	Q
	-
The thought of spiritual transmigration	Q
Is somewhat pleasant therefore let it be	E
It seems delightful to my contemplation	Q
But what of that it's all the same to me	E
In fact to tell the truth I cannot see	E
Wherefore Pythagoras did puzzle o'er	T
This tiresome philosophy when he	E
Must truly have considered it a bore	T
I think it so and doubtless so do many more	T
	-
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XXXIV	A
	-
One fool makes many as the saying goes	Q
And he was quite as bad as any Plato	Q
There was some slight resemblance I suppose	Q
As Alcibiades resembled Cato	Q
But I must hurry on and not delay so	Q
On themes unnecessary to my tale	E
I'm sure you will agree with me and say so	Q
I'm prone to 'light on topics that are stale	E
As I have said before I know that I am frail	E
	-
	-
XXXV	A
	-
Well laden with good things by way of luncheon	Q
Our heroines were starting on their way	K2
With ham and tongue and wine an infant puncheon	Q
With spirits buoyant and a jolly day	K2
The sun upon them shot his summer ray	K2
Above the pendent lark was on the wing	E
The fair ones each and all had lots to say	K2
And absolutely laughed like anything	E
The very air with their blithe merriment did ring	E
	-
	-
XXXVI	A
	-
'Twas early yet and as they were proceeding	E
On some poor widow they'd arranged to call	E
To give her heart the comfort she was needing	E
Whose open bible was her hope her all	E
And Dora in her basket bore a shawl	E
A gift from Ma to the disabled dame	L2
Together with some stockings and a ball	E
Of worsted To the cottage gate they came	L2
And doubtless reader you have often done the same	L2
	-
	-
XXXVII	A
	-
They knocked then pressed the latch and entered There	T
Her grandchild sat oh she was sweet to see	E
Her cheek was bright and fairer than the fair	T
Each tress the sungleam shimmering o'er the sea	E
An open bible lay upon her knee	E
She had been reading from the volume old	K2
In meek and innocent simplicity	E
And tinging all things earthly with the gold	K2
The calmer holier radiance of that other fold	K2
	-
	-
XXXVIII	A
	-
I will be with you even unto death	R2
Come unto Me and I will give you rest	K2
I even I am He that comforteth	R2
What words are these how beautiful how blest	K2
And Granny as she listened fondly pressed	K2
Her darling's little hand did she not bring	E
Sweet consolation to her ag d breast	K2
When th' sun of life was low towards evening	E
And life's fast fleeting pleasures all had taken wing	E
	-
	-
XXXIX	E
	-
But dim were Granny's glasses with a tear	T
While listening to that voice so soft so low	Q
Oh what upon this weary earth so dear	T
Oh what so cherished as that smile below	Q
The depth of human fondness who can know	Q
She dried her tears imprinting a slow kiss	E
Upon her beauty's cheek she loved her so	Q
Oh what more tender more sublime than this	E
Beside that hearth there reigned such still such sacred bliss	E
	-
	-
XL	Q
	-
Our visitors had entered Granny seemed	K2
Right down delighted that they should have come	S2
For from her eyes a nameless pleasure beamed	K2
Which seemed of all delights to be the sum	S2
She tried to make them cosy interdum	S2
And to their kind enquiries she replied	K2
I'm bonny in my way I thank you Mum	S2
And how's yourselves and those at home beside	K2
Then to them several little matters did confide	K2
	-
	-
XLI	Q
	-
The cot consisting of two rooms was thatched	K2
Each room was on the ground Above the door	T
Clung vines and roses and the wall was patched	K2
And all an aspect of contentment bore	T
The prettiest little scene you ever saw	E
Within above the mantel hung the gun	Q
Which there had hung for fifteen years or more	T
Memento of that dear departed one	Q
Telling of how much service it before had done	Q
	-
	-
XLII	Q
	-
Within the corner stood the eight day clock	E
Which had recounted time for years and years	E
And even then was going tick a tock	E
Tho' it had seen so many smiles and tears	E
There is a something which I fancy cheers	E
In the slow ditty which those songsters sing	E
Some sweet responsion which the bosom hears	E
Whose echo is so soft and comforting	E
Winding a stilly peace round each familiar thing	E
	-
	-
XLIII	Q
	-
The bacon hung suspended from a beam	S2
And ancient china made the parlour gay	K2
The picture of a little mountain stream	S2
Called Rose's admiration into play	K2
And basking in the sun's delightful ray	K2
A favourite kitten purred with sleepy air	T
The polished flags were spotless as the day	K2
And groups of flowering plants stood here and there	T
And industry was most apparent everywhere	T
	-
	-
XLIV	A
	-
Our ladies three had had their little chat	K2
Had likewise done the good they had to do	T
Moreover had admired and stroked the cat	K2
And then they thought 'twas time that they withdrew	T
The widow was more thankful than they knew	T
And twenty times expressed her firm conviction	Q
They were disguised archangels what think you	T
Then twenty times pronounced her benediction	Q
Hoping they'd never live to suffer her affliction	Q
	-
	-
XLV	A
	-
Her little grandchild courtesied at the gate	K2
Showed them the way and courtesied once again	Q
They sauntered on at just their former rate	K2
And chattered in their usual lively strain	Q
Passing along an elevated plain	Q
They paused to look around them for the scene	Q
Delighted them enormously and fain	Q
Would they have been to rest mid way between	Q
But forward gaily pressed o'er silent tracts of green	Q
	-
	-
XLVI	A
	-
The view was bounded on their right by hills	E
Those gentle hills that border on the sea	E
Ah as I write a thought my bosom stills	E
That thought Oh Berwick is the thought of thee	E
How kind how tranquil were thine hours to me	E
Those hours amongst thy silent valleys cast	K2
O moments gone come back and let me be	E
Enfolded in the visions of the Past	K2
While other hours and days and years are fleeting fast	K2
	-
	-
XLVII	A
	-
Anon the summit of the cliff they gained	K2
Above the vast expanse the eye is bent	K2
Where Beauty's finger wanders unrestrained	K2
With its fantastical embellishment	K2
The mind is riveted the gaze is spent	K2
Where lavish Nature pours her richest spoil	Q
The tongue is voiceless with bewilderment	K2
Far far below the ocean's ceaseless toil	Q
Makes bosoms inly shudder and all eyes recoil	Q
	-
	-
XLVIII	A
	-
Our little thoughts are staggered at the scene	Q
That splendour so unspeakably intense	E
And dazzled by its brilliancy of sheen	Q
The senses reel with its magnificence	E
Below the surgy yeast was boiling whence	E
Rose on the summer air its restless roar	T
It smote the broken cliff's bold battlements	E
Unmoted like the warriors of yore	T
And plunged upon the moss clad boulders of the shore	T
	-
	-
XLIX	E
	-
The feathery clouds moved slowly through the sky	E
The coast line melted into tender blue	T
The storm bleared headland stood defiantly	E
The boldest feature of that boundless view	T
In contrast with its chalky front the hue	T
Of the green sea swept freely far and wide	K2
And o'er the promontory's base there grew	T
As though its time torn nakedness to hide	K2
Some shaggy weeds that floated on the swelling tide	K2
	-
	-
L	Q
	-
It was the ebb They could not yet descend	K2
So Rose suggested that they should proceed	K2
In the direction of the headland's end	K2
There straightway squat them on the grass and read	K2
The books they'd brought to this they all agreed	K2
Then hastened onward though the sun was hot	K2
And there beneath their sunshades with much speed	K2
And very much more chatter did they squat	K2
In those parts foliage umbrageous there was not	K2
	-
	-
LI	E
	-
They must have read an hour when they discovered	K2
Exactly simultaneously that they	K2
Were really hungry so they all uncovered	K2
Their baskets of refreshment for the day	K2
And laughed to see the paper fly away	K2
They must I think have quite enjoyed their fare	T
So close above the music of the bay	K2
No doubt it was delightful to be there	T
Fanned by the soothing breath of the ozonic air	T
	-
	-
LII	E
	-
They chatted read and dozed in alternation	Q
And time had flitted as it always will	E
Flo recommended change of situation	Q
Not pleased that they were tarrying there still	E
So all arose and forward urged until	E
They saw afar some narrow steps and rude	K2
Beginning some short distance up the hill	E
And which of course no sooner had they viewed	K2
Than thither they repaired as quickly as they could	K2
	-
	-
LIII	E
	-
Descending they discovered that the sea	E
Had much subsided since they saw it last	K2
Then down they hopped with more than usual glee	E
To note the waters thus receding fast	K2
Upon the narrow strip of sand were cast	K2
Weeds star fish and all sorts of shells around	K2
And as along the level stretch they passed	K2
Most interesting articles they found	K2
Which lay all washed and wet upon the solid ground	K2
	-
	-
LIV	A
	-
They cut their names upon the cliff and wrote	K2
All sorts of hieroglyphics on the sand	K2
And rhymes that I'm unable now to quote	K2
All found amusement there on every hand	K2
They thought a life at sea was truly grand	K2
As very many ladies often do	T
Perhaps it is when strolling on the strand	K2
At least I find it passable don't you	T
In fact I think much more so than in transitu	K2
	-
	-
LV	A
	-
They deemed it a misfortune they were girls	E
Rose wished she'd been a boy and gone abroad	K2
Flo wished she'd been a sailor lad with curls	E
By all the fair of Christendom adored	K2
Then Dora too her present state deplored	K2
And also would have been a tar because	E
She loved to listen when the waters roared	K2
Or any blessed thing but what she was	E
All these ideas were most enjoyable of course	E
	-
	-
LVI	A
	-
At some short distance was a vessel hurled	K2
A dismal wreck upon the rockbound shoal	E
Around its hulk th' encircling billows curled	K2
Now thro' its splintered deck the wavelet stole	E
Then issuing forth it gurgled through a hole	E
Staved by the tempest's fury in its side	K2
Afar off did its shattered timbers roll	E
Its treasures all were scattered in the tide	K2
The headland gained the swaying wreck they soon espied	K2
	-
	-
LVII	A
	-
Soon as the waves permitted them to go	Q
Across the smooth white rocks they to it went	K2
The raging brine had torn off half the bow	T2
Its starboard shivered and its cordage rent	K2
The warring waters had their anger spent	K2
And flung its fragments to the cruel blast	K2
Its iron bands were burst apart and bent	K2
And all around in dire disorder cast	K2
There shattered at some little distance lay the mast	K2
	-
	-
LVIII	A
	-
When gazing pensively o'er ocean's realm	S2
Its wide destruction its unspoken might	K2
There is a something which doth overwhelm	S2
As day is overshadowed by the night	K2
This was forsooth an interesting sight	K2
To them yet no less dreadful for the scene	Q
Was one such as could never yield delight	K2
And so delighted they could not have been	Q
Before they never such a spectacle had seen	Q
	-
	-
LIX	E
	-
They picked up curious items three or four	T
And placed them in their baskets to take home	S2
The wreck and its surroundings did explore	T
Upon the slimy reefs too did they roam	S2
While backward and still backward rolled the foam	S2
While faster flew each hour one after one	Q
And they discovered evening had come	S2
'Twas time they put an end to all their fun	Q
And so to think of their return they had begun	Q
	-
	-
LX	E
	-
The time indeed had gone exceeding fast	K2
But how it had gone that they could not say	E
And nor could I my reader if you asked	K2
They tell me that for no man Time will stay	E
Oh not for womankind for such as they	E
I'm half afraid old Chronos doth forget	K2
As he goes tearing on from day to day	E
The right and just demands of etiquette	K2
Which is as you'll agree a matter of regret	K2
	-
	-
LXI	E
	-
They finished their refreshments seated nicely	E
Upon a spar just what they all required	K2
Which seemed as if put for them so precisely	E
Was it the very thing that they desired	K2
They were or should have been intensely tired	K2
But luckily they had not far to go	Q
A lot of pleasant matters had transpired	K2
And all had cracked their lively joke or so	Q
But now the day was o'er the sun was getting low	Q
	-
	-
LXII	Q
	-
Behind the cliff they wished to see him fall	E
And therefore with that object did they wait	K2
There was no need to hurry home at all	E
And they could walk it well by half past eight	K2
And surely that was not so very late	K2
They each detached a portion of the wood	K2
For Dora took much pains to demonstrate	K2
It was most necessary that they should	K2
For a memento be it clearly understood	K2
	-
	-
LXIII	Q
	-
There can be nothing dearer that I know	Q
When thus I speak of course I mean to me	E
Than wand'ring slowly when the tide is low	Q
Alone and silent by the gentle sea	E
Each winding cranny of the rock may be	E
Enjoyment's wealth There is a world of thought	K2
Of joys unbounded for a heart as free	E
A universe of life if only sought	K2
Each breath each dreaming ripple is with music fraught	K2
	-
	-
LXIV	A
	-
Give me the ocean let me hear its roll	E
For ever let me wander by its side	K2
There is a voice that murmurs to the soul	E
A strength which thunders in its mighty tide	K2
There let me but my lonely footsteps guide	K2
Or hasten to some far neglected glen	Q
Wherein myself for ever I can hide	K2
And rest a stranger to the ways of men	Q
And find a refuge dear beyond all human ken	Q
	-
	-
LXV	A
	-
There let me be nor friend nor kinsman near	T
For earthly friends and kinsmen what are they	E
There let me unbefriended drop a tear	T
And spend in solitude life's little day	E
Where strange strange voices all all pass away	E
And mingle with the voices that have been	Q
There in those stilly valleys let me stray	E
Where all is soundless all is fair and green	Q
And peace that holy peace surrounds each smiling scene	Q
	-
	-
LXVI	A
	-
Within me is a craving and for what	K2
A lingering longing dark and ill defined	K2
A something wanting but I know it not	K2
A missing link it is not mine to find	K2
A flaming fire that scorches up the mind	K2
And goads me ever onward onward where	T
I pray I gasp for light for I am blind	K2
The light that never never will be there	T
What can that something be my spirit may not share	T
	-
	-
LXVII	A
	-
Oh let me be for mine is Nature's praise	Q
I leave the world for those it doth invite	K2
For those who are untaught in Nature's ways	Q
Who seek their pleasures in the boast of might	K2
Give me the wood the ocean and the night	K2
I ask no more these these shall be my all	E
And wield my cornucopia of delight	K2
The crested helmet and the kingly hall	E
Are not for me for them I neither care nor call	E
	-
	-
LXVIII	A
	-
I ask not Wealth nor wish one single hour	T
Where Splendour gilds the trophies of the brave	A
Of purse proud pomp of pageantry and power	T
Whose flaunting grandeur can but deck the grave	A
To me 'tis hollow all is nothing save	A
The pine capped mountain and the heathery plain	Q
The rolling forest and the leaping wave	A
Oh give me back their sweetnesses again	Q
Those dear those silent pleasures which can never wane	Q
	-
	-
LXIX	Q
	-
Far have I wandered when the even fills	Q
The bosom with sweet sadnesses and sighs	Q
When life was like the mellow on far hills	Q
Bathed in the sunset of the summer skies	Q
And tinged with purple when the spirit cries	Q
And gasps for very language but in vain	Q
When wavelets whisper and the heart replies	Q
When the soul sobs and all is hushed again	Q
Save Tritons chanting to this pathless world of pain	Q
	-
	-
LXX	Q
	-
Stay stay thy footsteps o'er the waters see	Q
How calm the weary elements how still	E
For Nature too herself forgets to be	Q
While holy thoughts and prayers the bosom fill	E
And dim the daylight quivers o'er the hill	E
The creatures of the air to home and rest	K2
Have winged their lonely journey at their will	E
And no alarms alarm the human breast	K2
And all yea all with heavenly quietude is blest	K2
	-
	-
LXXI	Q
	-
They'd seen the sun descend the blending hues	Q
Rich in succession come then fade away	E
Regretting that such splendour they should lose	Q
With the departure of the solar ray	E
Do we not note this every dawning day	E
That beauty is short lived and soon must pass	Q
More beautiful more wasted by decay	E
We see it and we cry Alas Alas	Q
Our days are as a tale that is told we are but grass	Q
	-
	-
LXXII	Q
	-
I will apply a philosophic rule	E
Which like most rules admits of some exception	Q
But I was no philosopher at school	E
I'll tell you that much so there's no deception	Q
In fact a perfect dunce you've no conception	Q
But that you'll say is foreign to my tail	E
I thank you for your generous correction	Q
I copied all my masters to a nail	E
Yet no one ever asked me if I was for sale	E
	-
	-
LXXIII	Q
	-
Who was it said Variety was Beauty	Q
Or Beauty was Variety no matter	T
To recollect his name is not my duty	Q
It may have been Theocritus's hatter	T
For aught I know my brains are in a batter	T
I'm older than I used to be by far	T
Yet joking all aside myself I flatter	T
My faculties are lively as they are	T
And yet let's see who was that Philosophic Star	T
	-
	-
LXXIV	A
	-
I can't think never mind But I maintain	Q
That Beauty is Variety and I	E
Emphatically say the same again	Q
Just now it doesn't matter how or why	E
If anybody wishes to deny	E
That this is true then let him come and prove it	K2
If anyone has doubt of it I'll try	E
I'll do my very utmost to remove it	K2
If 'twere a lie most certainly I should reprove it	K2
	-
	-
LXXV	A
	-
It is when Autumn sweeps the frosty plain	Q
And tips the woods with flaming hues that I	E
Delight to pause and gaze and gaze again	Q
Where varied tints the landscape beautify	E
It is the smirking maiden's nut brown eye	E
Fair skin all traversed by the tender blue	E
Her cherry cheeks and lips that make me sigh	E
Besides her snowy teeth now don't they you	E
That's right I knew that you'd agree of course they do	E
	-
	-
LXXVI	E
	-
Ah what is that which makes the sunset dear	T
It is each varying tinge that stains the air	T
While ever changing colours still appear	T
And fairy flecks float forward calm and fair	T
But still our weary ladies lingered there	T
For Flo their fav'rite trio did propose	Q
And Dora as was usual sang the air	T
The eve was still the day began to close	Q
As on the gentle breeze the following words arose	Q
	-
	-
THE CHORUS OF THE NEREIDES	Q
	-
We are ever ever merry as we frolic in the ocean	Q
As we dive beneath the waters to its gem bestudded floor	T
And we dance within its grottoes with an ever whirling motion	Q
And we roll the little wavelets one by one upon the shore	T
	-
From beneath the leaves in caverns adamantine we are peeping	E
Now along the blazing pearl and ruby corridors we glide	K2
And amongst the tall fantastic arches slily are we creeping	E
There within their dark mysterious recesses do we hide	K2
	-
We recline within the bowers of the ever rolling billow	Q
We repose upon its bosom with a calm and cool delight	K2
While ecstacies enrapture on its tranquillizing pillow	Q
And we raise a myriad voices to the canopy of Night	K2
	-
	-
LXXVII	E
	-
Then up they started 'twas already dim	S2
Still 'twas but half an hour's walk at the most	K2
Altho' they were not quite in walking trim	S2
Fatigued by all their rambles on the coast	K2
In clambering o'er the rocks no time they lost	K2
Altho' their small bottines got somewhat wet	K2
And their incautiousness some duckings cost	K2
But over soaking hose they didn't fret	K2
For jumping slippery rocks what could they hope to get	K2
	-
	-
LXXVIII	E
	-
But sad to say as Dora took a leap	B2
Across a little channel full of water	T
A channel which was more than ankle deep	B2
She slipped and fell ere either could have caught her	T
Her sisters shrieked and bending they besought her	T
To say if any hurt she had sustained	K2
And Flora much alarmed at once bethought her	T
What if she has for Dora there remained	K2
And most distressingly she moaned but nought explained	K2
	-
	-
LXXIX	Q
	-
But as she spoke not what could they surmise	Q
While with red blood bedabbled was her cheek	E
She fell back helpless when she tried to rise	Q
And seemed unable tho' she strove to speak	E
Upon her forehead gaped a crimson streak	E
And stretched upon th' unyielding rock she lay	E
To soothe her pain both sisterlike did seek	E
They washed the bloody finger prints away	E
Alas that such as this should end so bright a day	E
	-
	-
LXXX	Q
	-
What could they do where could they fly for aid	K2
With night fast closing over all around	K2
Where could they go bewildered and afraid	K2
With not the comfort of a single sound	K2
They looked aghast with lips all horror bound	K2
With none to help and not a cottage near	T
Where they could take her prostrate on the ground	K2
Where they might bind her brow who was so dear	T
And stirred they had not with embarrassment and fear	T
	-
	-
LXXXI	Q
	-
Now clearly as was apprehensible	E
From the sad nature of the wound received	K2
To all around she lay insensible	E
And Rose and Flora were most sorely grieved	K2
Their inward terror could not be conceived	K2
They tried to raise her but they tried in vain	Q
And many sighs of disappointment heaved	K2
As down she sank upon the rock again	Q
Each asked what should be done they must not there remain	Q
	-
	-
LXXXII	Q
	-
That was a question which they could not solve	E
She was too heavy for their strength to bear	T
But Rose to fly for succour did resolve	E
Rushed up the cliff and left her sisters there	T
Within her heart there lurked a trembling prayer	T
For her dear Dora's safety as she sped	K2
Along the soundless road she knew not where	T
While darkness quickly gathered overhead	K2
On on she ran half overcome and pale with dread	K2
	-
	-
LXXXIII	Q
	-
The first she met to him she did appeal	E
He was a neighbouring cottager who bore	T
A right good heart which others' woes could feel	E
To whom too she was not unknown before	T
At the sad news he hastened to his door	T
Brought forth a lighted lantern and a phial	E
And both strode quickly forward to the shore	T
He tried to soothe poor Rose's grief the while	E
Whose agitation told how terrible the trial	E
	-
	-
LXXXIV	E
	-
They reached the cliff and cautious did descend	K2
They indistinctly saw a group of three	Q
In Rose's breast alarm and joy did blend	K2
While wondering who the welcome third might be	Q
Impatiently she hurried on to see	Q
'Twas Rowland kneeling at her sister's side	K2
To whom he ministered relief for he	Q
The waving kerchief from the cliff had spied	K2
Had heard the call for help and to the beach had hied	K2
	-
	-
LXXXV	E
	-
His brother Gilbert by some happy chance	Q
Had accompanied his brother on his way	E
Both saw what was the matter at a glance	Q
As Dora on the ground unconscious lay	E
Flora with tears besought them both to stay	E
But they'd arranged that Gilbert home should fly	E
They lived three quarters of a mile away	E
And bring restoratives immediately	Q
And chaise of course which was a great necessity	Q
	-
	-
LXXXVI	E
	-
Now Dora upright sat and looked around	K2
Much better than she was a time ago	Q
With a damp handkerchief her head was bound	K2
And now and then she took a draught or so	Q
The cottager supplied as you all know	Q
Till on the road above the chaise arrived	K2
Gilbert his brother called from down below	Q
Gave him the flask and asked if she'd revived	K2
And how her safe removal was to be contrived	K2
	-
	-
LXXXVII	E
	-
There Gilbert waited while his brother went	K2
To offer his support to Dora who	E
Seemed nothing else but sweet bewilderment	K2
And at this juncture so did Rowland too	E
Since Gilbert brought one they had lanterns two	E
Which much assisted them their way to see	Q
As well as what they were about to do	E
In this unfortunate emergency	Q
For 'twas a matter of the utmost urgency	Q
	-
	-
LXXXVIII	E
	-
Now Rowland on the left supported Dora	T
The cottager was stationed on the right	K2
One of the lights did they entrust to Flora	T
And one to Rose who was exhausted quite	K2
Then on they passed beneath the sultry night	K2
Safe o'er the rocks upon the hardened sand	K2
Tho' Dora was in most unhappy plight	K2
With all the haste they could just then command	K2
Befitted to the circumstance you understand	K2
	-
	-
LXXXIX	Q
	-
The steps were steep and narrow and a rail	E
For wanderers' protection was placed there	T
Yet it was at the best so very frail	E
That it was necessary to beware	T
With narrow limits they did not despair	T
But managed somehow to go three abreast	K2
And at the summit safely lodge their care	T
To render her relief all did their best	K2
They knew their parents would be very much distressed	K2
	-
	-
XC	Q
	-
It chanced auspiciously that ladies' dress	Q
Was then not as we know it to have been	Q
That concentration of all ugliness	Q
That awful bustle and the crinoline	Q
It would have been unfortunate I mean	Q
For their ascent and with me you'll agree	Q
It would have proved a hopeless case I ween	Q
And ended in a dire catastrophe	Q
Which simply would have been embarrassing you see	Q
	-
	-
XCI	Q
	-
The cottager sought nothing for his pains	Q
And proffered trifles thankfully declined	K2
Ah happy they who think not of their gains	Q
Who for the kindness only would be kind	K2
But there are very few of such a mind	K2
That is as far as my experience goes	Q
For love of self more often lurks behind	K2
A worthy action and one seldom knows	Q
The true and real source from which a kindness flows	Q
	-
	-
XCII	Q
	-
Now with his charges three was Rowland seated	K2
Then all and everyone exchanged good night	K2
And when that ceremony was completed	K2
The cottager bent homeward with his light	K2
And so did Gilbert 'Twas a blessing quite	K2
That matters were all settled as they were	T
In their most awkward and distressing plight	K2
As Dora thought especially for her	T
It was indeed unfortunate it should occur	T
	-
	-
XCIII	Q
	-
When they arrived at Elleston Farm they found	K2
Such dire dismay as ne'er before was seen	Q
Papa dispatching to the places round	K2
Some messengers to know where they had been	Q
It really was a most excited scene	Q
With Julia Ma and Hannah at the gate	K2
To see if information they could glean	Q
In much alarm since it was now so late	K2
For Dora told them that they should return by eight	K2
	-
	-
XCIV	Q
	-
Ma gave a dismal shriek and swooned away	E
And Julia bless her tried to do so too	E
Most naturally so for truth to say	E
It was a dreary spectacle to view	E
Soon to the house they hurriedly withdrew	E
All those who kept their footing and were able	E
With Ma and Julia there was much ado	E
Since they between them made a little Babel	E
While Hannah screamed and staggered back upon the table	E
	-
	-
XCV	E
	-
To Dora Rowland was of course attentive	E
Yes very so he also did his best	K2
For th' others using every preventive	E
Against a second swoon one could suggest	K2
His efforts I am glad to say were blest	K2
Tho' Dora was quite helpless from the fall	E
But Hannah went on just like one possessed	K2
While Julia did the lackadaisical	E
And wagged her head most drearily against the wall	E
	-
	-
XCVI	E
	-
Ere long there was an end to the confusion	Q
And everyone came back to common sense	Q
Then all the household joined in the conclusion	Q
It was a fearful blow at all events	Q
Poor Dora's sufferings were most intense	Q
And prudently she was despatched to bed	K2
Permitted to remain on no pretence	Q
And there the household bandaged up her head	K2
For all lent their assistance as I should have said	K2
	-
	-
XCVII	E
	-
Respecting how they spent their length of time	S2
There was a lot to say as you'd suppose	Q
Which I will not repeat to you in rhyme	S2
Concerning their enjoyments and their woes	Q
And all such trivialities as those	Q
Or thanks to him to whom such thanks were due	E
And query after query then arose	Q
And pleasant incidents by no means few	E
As under the like circumstances always do	E
	-
	-
XCVIII	E
	-
Supper despatched our Rowland started back	Q
Loaded with thanks and all that words could speak	Q
The stars were overcast the night was black	Q
The wind arose as from some sudden freak	Q
At intervals was seen a livid streak	Q
And distant rumblings fell upon the ear	T
'Twas true a storm had threatened all the week	Q
And lurked about the sultry atmosphere	T
Then was the time they were to have it it was clear	T
	-
	-
XCIX	Q
	-
Yet these were tokens Rowland did not heed	K2
Such trifles then he little cared about	K2
As he upon his journey did proceed	K2
He was disturbed within more than without	K2
And dead to all around I've not a doubt	K2
Absorbed in thoughts that words can ne'er define	Q
Yet you can guess my reader what about	K2
Most likely such as those have once been thine	Q
I really fail to count how often they've been mine	Q
	-
	-
C	Q
	-
Within him was a feeling as of pain	Q
That melancholy music in whose tone	Q
Though full of sadness something sweet doth reign	Q
And Rowland for the first time felt alone	Q
How often hath this feeling been our own	Q
When all is what compared to something dear	T
When former pleasures all yea all have flown	Q
And life is centred in another sphere	T
And all the world is nothing if one be not near	T
	-
	-
CI	Q
	-
There was a something in the heaven above	E
That corresponded with his state of mind	K2
We all know what it is to be in love	E
When all Earth's sweetest pleasures seem combined	K2
When Life and Love both both are intertwined	K2
And the young blood is as the desert's thirst	K2
A scorching wilderness a torrid wind	K2
A torrent with its flood gates open burst	K2
When Youth's most cherished hopes within the breast are nursed	K2
	-
	-
CII	Q
	-
O tell me not that Youth all youth is folly	Q
Give me the kiss that youth doth first impress	Q
O let me feel love's ling'ring melancholy	Q
And smile on lips all youthful loveliness	Q
Give me the bosom I can fondly press	Q
While Youth's hot blood is burning in the veins	Q
O what but this is earthly happiness	Q
This world no sweeter thing than this contains	Q
When days of youth are o'er life's foremost pleasure wanes	Q
	-
	-
CIII	Q
	-
Yes Youth was made for such it is enough	E
To know in some fond heart our words abide	K2
Oh life's not life but death without a love	E
All ceaseless darkness where she is denied	K2
We know not our existence till we hide	K2
Our soul within another's there to be	Q
Its very being like a river wide	K2
Love rolls its endless volumes to the sea	Q
Losing itself within its own immensity	K2
	-
	-
CIV	E
	-
There is a sort of torture which attends	Q
That most delightful of the heart's delights	Q
A sort of cruelty which somehow blends	Q
With passion in its most distracted flights	Q
And absence from a bosom that requites	Q
An all absorbing love is as a flame	S2
Fed ten fold yet insatiate it excites	Q
Those maddened cravings which the breast inflame	S2
Those fiery longing gasps within the fevered frame	S2
	-
	-
CV	E
	-
However I'm too fond of pondering	Q
When it's so necessary to proceed	K2
And on to worthless topics wandering	Q
To which my friends will pay but little heed	K2
All those I mean who take my book and read	K2
Those matters that they studied long ago	Q
Who of such information have no need	K2
And want to hear of something they don't know	Q
I know what's due to them and they shall have it so	Q
	-
	-
CVI	E
	-
'Twas Dora as by now you will have guessed	K2
Who was the burden of poor Rowland's thought	K2
He was not merely by her face impressed	K2
But loved her to distraction as he ought	K2
It is you know the popular report	K2
That the best love is love at the first sight	K2
If such is true or not it matters nought	K2
I'd rather not discuss the point to night	K2
It won't affect our story whether wrong or right	K2
	-
	-
CVII	E
	-
I think and I've good reason to suppose	Q
This was a first sight love but who can say	Q
For certain if it was so Goodness knows	Q
If he conceived it in amongst the hay	Q
If I hear rightly ever since that day	Q
He had been somewhat quieter than before	T
And had been known to take himself away	Q
To wander long alone upon the shore	T
Such oddities betoken love you may be sure	T
	-
	-
CVIII	E
	-
Ah who may tell what crowding thoughts arose	Q
Where boiled the tumult of Love's surging sea	Q
That strength this world itself could not enclose	Q
Nor Space with infinite immensity	Q
But there no matter why love is to be	Q
While men and women both are what they are	T
While eyes can wander unrestrainedly	Q
And light on dimpled cheeks unknown to Ma	S2
Or eyes that glisten like a polished scimitar	T
	-
	-
CIX	Q
	-
Some pierce as deeply I can tell you too	Q
And do the dickens in the way of slaughter	T
And slash the heart to mincemeat through and through	Q
And make ten thousand lives some few years shorter	T
Those eyes that make beholding lips quite water	T
Full many a Don Giovani die o' grief	E
Which yield the love sick populace no quarter	T
And isn't it cruel give them no relief	E
And work no end of miracles in my belief	E
	-
	-
CX	Q
	-
Which rudely tilt Love's overflowing cup	U2
And work a trifle in their little way	Q
Just tip the solar system downside up	U2
What is there that they can't do who shall say	Q
While for one glance a thousand pine away	Q
Which certainly is most disastrous when	Q
Our span is not too long as you will say	Q
And what of their short three score years and ten	Q
But this may not apply to woman jilted men	Q
	-
	-
CXI	Q
	-
A friend of mine observed some time ago	Q
That women were men's guardian angels stay	Q
I scarcely think it can be always so	Q
Tho' very often certainly it may	Q
At any rate you know I mean to say	Q
They very seldom put men at their ease	Q
Once wedded in a week can turn 'em grey	Q
So deuced disagreeable if they please	Q
And I myself have known some two or three of these	Q
	-
	-
CXII	Q
	-
I do not mean that I've experienced this	Q
The subject 'tis a pity I began	Q
I never knew that fancied state of bliss	Q
I'm not my friends in short a married man	Q
So cannot judge as well as others can	Q
Who are more fortunate and have a wife	E
I would much rather live contented than	Q
Engaged in all the wars of married life	E
And what's more troublesome than matrimonial strife	E
	-
	-
CXIII	Q
	-
In fact I often wish I were a bird	Q
I'd fly and fly and fly to Heaven knows where	T
And if such happy chance to me occurred	Q
I'd visit all the windows of the fair	T
To see if they had kisses I could bear	T
And be the General Post Office above	E
And do all sorts of things I do declare	T
'Twere better too I think to be a dove	E
That gentle bird so suited to affairs of love	E
	-
	-
CXIV	E
	-
Oh bother interruptions when a chap	V2
Has something most particular to say	Q
My mother calls there must be some mishap	V2
So I must leave it for another day	Q
I should be whacked severely did I stay	Q
And that would be a pity you must own	Q
And so 'twere better for me to obey	Q
With much regret at leaving you alone	Q
But 'tis a great necessity as I have shewn	Q
	-
	-
CXV	E
	-
I'm hungry too and I must feed sometimes	Q
As other folks accustomed are to do	Q
I'm not of those who fatten on their rhymes	Q
My reader kind between myself and you	Q
So this abruptly ended interview	Q
With circumstances such you will forgive	E
The thread of my narration I'll renew	Q
To morrow or the next day if I live	E
That is of course if your attention you will give	E
	-
	-
CXVI	E
	-
Ta ta for now and may you ever be	Q
The good forbearing friend I knew you once	Q
And may you yet proceed indulgently	Q
Permit my story and forgive the dunce	Q
In spite of these most troublesome affronts	Q
Let's see how long since last I flew my kite	Q
Yes certainly it must be some few months	Q
And here I am again at it to night	Q
It's enough to tax the patience of a Bedlamite	Q
	-
	-
CXVII	E
	-
You know the author for you see him here	T
He weeps or smiles as here he doth rehearse	Q
Oh critic stay and drop but Pity's tear	T
If not for him the author for his verse	Q
Full many have done better but few worse	Q
And surely he's the very first to know it	Q
Of course there's much to talk of when converse	Q
Like friend and friend the critic and his poet	Q
But now I cannot stay I'm in a hurry blow it	Q

Lennox Amott

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