Page:Carroll - Notes by an Oxford Chiel.djvu/78

28 Prevailed on him, Jack-Horner-like, to try Some method to evaluate his pie, And win from those dark depths, with skilful thumb, Five times a hundredweight of luscious plum— Yet for no thirst of wealth, no love of praise, In learned labour he consumed his days!
 * O luxury! thou cursed by Heaven's decree.

How ill exchanged are things like these for thee! How do thy potions, with insidious joy, Diffuse their pleasures only to destroy; Iced cobbler, Badminton, and shandy-gaff. Rouse the loud jest and idiotic laugh; Inspired by them, to tipsy greatness grown, Men boast a florid vigour not their own; At every draught more wild and wild they grow; While pitying friends observe 'I told you so!' Till, summoned to their post, at the first ball, A feeble under-hand, their wickets fall.
 * Even now the devastation is begun,

And half the business of destruction done; Even now, methinks while pondering here in pity, I see the rural Virtues leave the city.