Chapter 2

OUR lady fair was instantly confused, Or she precaution properly had used, 'Twas easy to have kept a steady face, And 'neath the clothes the other's head to place. Pass presently beyond the hidden swain, And t'other side with rapid motion gain, A thing quite natural, we should suppose; But fears o'erpow'red; the frightened damsel chose To hide herself, then whispered her gallant, What mighty terrors made her bosom pant. The youth was sage, and coolly undertook To offer for her:--t'other 'gan to look, With spectacles on nose: soon all went right; Adieu, she cried, and then withdrew from sight. Heav'n guard her steps, and all conduct away, Whose presence secret friendships would betray:

SHOULD this be thought a silly, idle tale; (And that opinion may perhaps prevail) To censure me, enough will surely try, For criticks are severe, and these will cry, Your lady like a simpleton escaped; Her character you better might have shaped; Which makes us doubt the truth of what is told: Naught in your prologue like it we behold.

'TWERE sueless to reply: 'twould endless prove: No arguments such censurers could move; On men like these, devoid of sense or taste, In vain might Cicero his rhet'rick waste. Sufficient 'tis for me, that what is here, I got from those who ev'ry-where appear The friends of truth:--let others say the same; What more would they expect should be my aim?

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Sight of meat brings appetite about To avoid the tempting bit, 'Tis better far at table not to sit