Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/128

116 She reason'd, without plodding long, Nor ever gave her judgment wrong. But now a sudden change was wrought: She minds no longer what he taught. Cadenus was amaz'd, to find Such marks of a distracted mind: For, though she seem'd to listen more To all he spoke, than e'er before, He found her thoughts would absent range, Yet guess'd not whence could spring the change. And first he modestly conjectures His pupil might be tir'd with lectures; Which help'd to mortify his pride, Yet gave him not the heart to chide: But, in a mild dejected strain, At last he ventur'd to complain; Said, she should be no longer teaz'd, Might have her freedom when she pleas'd: Was now convinc'd he acted wrong To hide her from the world so long, And in dull studies to engage One of her tender sex and age: That every nymph with envy own'd, How she might shine in the grande monde; And every shepherd was undone To see her cloister'd like a nun. This was a visionary scheme: He wak'd, and found it but a dream; A project far above his skill; For nature must be nature still. If he were bolder than became A scholar to a courtly dame, She might excuse a man of letters: Thus tutors often treat their betters: And,