Page:Tales of instruction, in verse and prose.pdf/14

(14) As I was traverſing the hall,

Where Bruſſels' looms adorn'd the wall,

(Whoſe tap'ſtry ſhews without my aid,

A nun is no ſuch uſeleſs maid)

A graceful perſon came in view,

(His form it ſeems is known to few;)

His dreſs was unadorn'd with lace,

But charms! a thouſand in his face.

This, Sir, your property? I cry'd—

Maſter and manſion coincide;

Where all, indeed, is truly great,

And proves, that bliſs may dwell with ſtate.

Pray, Sir, indulge a ſtranger's claim,

And grant the favour of your name.

"," the lovely form reply'd,

But think not, here that I reſide:

Here lives a courtier, baſe and fly;

An open, honeſt, ruſtic, l.

Our taſte and manners diſagree;

His levee boaſt no charms for me:

For titles, and the ſmiles of kings,

To me are cheap unheeded things.

('Tis virtue can alone impart

The patent of a ducal heart:

Unleſs this herald ſpeaks him great,

What ſhall avail the glare of ſtate?)

Thoſe ſecret charms my delight,

Which ſhine remote from public ſight;

Paſſion ſubdued, deſires at reſt—

And hence his chaplain ſhares my breaft.