Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/118

Rh

By heaven, 'twas fired by virtuous impulses! What is the reason that I am o'erwhelmed With disappointment, obloquy, and wrong; By the base world misjudged, whilst others rise On the broad wings of fame, and fortune smiles, And crowns them with her gold and roseate wreaths? Withdraw your mind from all its late pursuits; Seek other channels—love, and politics: The sciences are open, they may bring A sweet oblivious balm—at least excite Strong interest. Politics and love? What, if they both were tried, and both had proved False to my hopes, bright meteors, to invite My eager steps to drag me deeper down The dark abyss of shame? Young Julian, Even in his boyhood, has outstripped me far. My late negociations, all my toil,