LXIV. The present culprit was extremely pale, 'T is white, at least when they just rise from bed. Perhaps she was ashamed of seeming frail, Poor soul! for she was country born and bred, And knew no better in her immorality Than to wax white-for blushes are for quality. LXV. Her black, bright, downcast, yet espiègle eye Nor insolent enough to scorn the scorner, LXVI. Of course these groups were scatter'd here and there, Not nigh the gay saloon of ladies gent. The lawyers in the study; and in air The prize pig, ploughman, poachers; the men sent From town, viz. architect and dealer, were Both busy (as a general in his tent Writing dispatches) in their several stations, Exulting in their brilliant lucubrations. LXVII. But this poor girl was left in the great hall, Its kind attentions to their proper pale, To name a thing in nomenclature rather LXVIII. You see here was enough of occupation For the Lord Henry, link'd with dogs and horses. There was much bustle too and preparation Below stairs on the score of second courses, Because, as suits their rank and situation, Those who in counties have great land resources, Have "public days," when all men may carouse, Though not exactly what's called " open house." LXIX. But once a week or fortnight, uninvited (Thus we translate a general invitation), All country gentlemen, esquired or knighted, May drop in without cards, and take their station With fashionable wines and conversation; LXX. Lord Henry was a great electioneerer, Burrowing for boroughs like a rat or rabbit; But county contests cost him rather dearer, Because the neighbouring Scotch Earl of Giftgabbit Had English influence in the self-same sphere here; His son, the Honourable Dick Dicedrabbit 66 Was member for the other interest" (meaning LXXI. Courteous and cautious therefore in his county, And promises to all-which last commenced LXXII. A friend to freedom and freeholders—yet 'Twixt place and patriotism-albeit compell'd, Such was his sovereign's pleasure (though unfit, He added modestly, when rebels rail'd), To hold some sinecures he wish'd abolish'd, He was LXXIII. "free to confess"-(whence comes this phrase? Is 't English? No-'t is only parliamentary) That innovation's spirit now-a-days Had made more progress than for the last century. He would not tread a factious path to praise, Though for the public weal disposed to venture high; As for his place, he could but say this of it, LXXIV. Heaven and his friends knew that a private life Cut through and through (oh! damnable incision!) LXXV. Sooner "come place into the civil list, And champion him to the utmost❞—-he would keep it, Till duly disappointed or dismiss'd : Profit he cared not for, let others reap it ; But should the day come when place ceased to exist, LXXVI. He was as independent—ay, much more— As common soldiers, or a common Have in their several arts or parts ascendance O'er the irregulars in lust or gore, Who do not give professional attendance. Thus on the mob all statesmen are as eager To prove their pride, as footmen to a beggar, LXXVII. All this (save the last stanza) Henry said, And thought. I say no more-I 've said too much; For all of us have either heard or read Of or upon the hustings-some slight such No more on this-the dinner-bell hath rung, LXXVIII. But I'm too late, and therefore must make play, Quite full, right dull, guests hot, and dishes cold, LXXIX. The squires familiarly formal, and My lords and ladies proudly condescending ; Their plates-without it might be too much bending For any deviation from the graces Might cost both men and masters too—their places. LXXX. There were some hunters bold, and coursers keen, Earliest to rise, and last to quit the search Of the poor partridge through his stubble screen. LXXXI. There were some country wags too,—and alas! And lo! upon that day it came to pass, I sate next that o'erwhelming son of Heaven, LXXXII. I knew him in his livelier London days, A brilliant diner-out, though but a curate; LXXXIII. His jokes were sermons, and his sermons jokes ; No longer ready ears and short-hand pens The poor priest was reduced to common sense, LXXXIV. "There is a difference," says the song, "between A beggar and a queen," or was (of late A difference between crockery-ware and plate, As between English beef and Spartan broth— And yet great heroes have been bred by both. LXXXV. But of all nature's discrepancies, none Upon the whole is greater than the difference Beheld between the country and the town, Of which the latter merits every preference From those who 've few resources of their own, And only think, or act, or feel with reference To some small plan of interest or ambitionBoth which are limited to no condition. LXXXVI. But en avant! The light loves languish o'er To these the invention of champagne and truffles : LXXXVII. Dully pass'd o'er the dinner of the day; And Juan took his place he knew not where, Confused, in the confusion, and distrait, And sitting as if nail'd upon his chair; Though knives and forks clang'd round as in a fray, LXXXVIII. On which, at the third asking of the banns, He started; and, perceiving smiles around A wise man more than laughter from a dunce- And with such hurry that, ere he could curb it, He'd paid his neighbour's prayer with half a turbot. |