Volume Ii Part 82 (1/2)

I lately vowed, but 'twas in haste, That I no more would court The joys which seem when they are past As dull as they are short.

I oft to hate my mistress swear, But soon my weakness find: I make my oaths when she's severe, But break them when she's kind.

John Oldmixon [1673-1742]

THE TOUCH-STONE

A fool and knave with different views For Julia's hand apply; The knave to mend his fortune sues, The fool to please his eye.

Ask you how Julia will behave, Depend on't for a rule, If she's a fool she'll wed the knave-- If she's a knave, the fool.

Samuel Bishop [1731-1795]

AIR From ”The Duenna”

I ne'er could any l.u.s.ter see In eyes that would not look on me; I ne'er saw nectar on a lip, But where my own did hope to sip.

Has the maid who seeks my heart Cheeks of rose, untouched by art?

I will own the color true When yielding blushes aid their hue.

Is her hand so soft and pure?

I must press it, to be sure; Nor can I be certain then, Till it, grateful, press again.

Must I, with attentive eye, Watch her heaving bosom sigh?

I will do so, when I see That heaving bosom sigh for me.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan [1751-1816]

”I TOOK A HANSOM ON TO-DAY”

I took a hansom on to-day, For a round I used to know-- That I used to take for a woman's sake In a fever of to-and-fro.

There were the landmarks one and all-- What did they stand to show?

Street and square and river were there-- Where was the ancient woe?

Never a hint of a challenging hope Nor a hope laid sick and low, But a longing dead as its kindred sped A thousand years ago!

William Ernest Henley [1849-1903]

DA CAPO

Short and sweet, and we've come to the end of it-- Our poor little love lying cold.

Shall no sonnet, then, ever be penned of it?