XXVII.

The little Leila, with her orient eyes, And taciturn Asiatic disposition (Which saw all western things with small surprise,

To the surprise of people of condition, Who think that novelties are butterflies,

To be pursued as food for inanition), Her charming figure and romantic history, Became a kind of fashionable mystery. XXVIII.

The women much divided-as is usual Amongst the sex, in little things or great. Think not, fair creatures, that I mean to abuse you all

I have always liked you better than I state: Since I've grown moral, still I must accuse you all

Of being apt to talk at a great rate; And now there was a general sensation Amongst you, about Leila's education.

Moreover, I've remark'd (and I was once
A slight observer, in a modest way),
And so may every one, except a dunce,

That ladies, in their youth a little gay,
Besides their knowledge of the world, and sense
Of the sad consequence of going astray,
Are wiser in their warnings 'gainst the woe
Which the mere passionless can never know.
XLV.

While the harsh prude indemnifies her virtue, By railing at the unknown and envied passion, Seeking far less to save you than to hurt you, Or, what's still worse, to put you out of fashion;

The kinder veteran with kind words will court you,

Entreating you to pause before you dash on; Expounding and illustrating the riddle Of epic Love's beginning, end, and middle.

XLVI.

Now, whether it be thus, or that they're stricter
As better knowing why they should be so,
I think you'll find from many a family picture,
That daughters of such mothers as may know

The world by experience rather than by lecture, Turn out much better for the Smithfield Show Of vestals, brought into the marriage mart, Than those bred up by prudes, without a heart. XLVII.

I said that Lady Pinchbeck had been talk'd about

And who has not, if female, young, and pretty? But now no more the ghost of scandal stalk'd about:

She merely was deem'd amiable and witty: And several of her best bon-mots were hawk'd about.

Then she was given to charity and pity; And pass'd (at least the latter years of life) For being a most exemplary wife.