'J'ai vu les moeurs de mon tems, et j'ai publie cette lettre.' -- LA NOUVELLE HELOISE. IF this should fail, why then I scarcely know What could succeed. Here's brilliancy (and banter), Byron ad lib., a chapter of Rousseau; -- If this should fail, then tempora mutantur; Style's out of date, and love, as a profession, Acquires no aid from beauty of expression. 'The men who think as I, I fear, are few,' (Cynics would say 'twere well if they were fewer); 'I am not what I seem,' -- (indeed, 'tis true; Though, as a sentiment, it might be newer); 'Mine is a soul whose deeper feelings lie More deep than words' -- (as these exemplify). 'I will not say when first your beauty's sun Illumed my life,' -- (it needs imagination); 'For me to see you and to love were one,' -- (This will account for some precipitation); 'Let it suffice that worship more devoted Ne'er throbbed', et cetera. The rest is quoted. 'If Love can look with all-prophetic eye,' -- (Ah, if he could, how many would be single!) 'If truly spirit unto spirit cry,' -- (The ears of some most terribly must tingle!) 'Then I have dreamed you will not turn your face.' This next, I think, is more than commonplace. 'Why should we speak, if Love, interpreting, Forestall the speech with favour found before? Why should we plead? -- it were an idle thing, If Love himself be Love's ambassador!' Blot, as I live! Shall we erase it? No; -- 'Twill show we write currente calamo. 'My fate, -- my fortune, I commit to you,' -- (In point of fact, the latter's not extensive); 'Without you I am poor indeed,' -- (strike through, 'Tis true but crude -- 'twould make her apprehensive); 'My life is yours -- I lay it at your feet,' (Having no choice but Hymen or the Fleet). 'Give me the right to stand within the shrine, Where never yet my faltering feet intruded; Give me the right to call you wholly mine,' -- (That is, Consols and Three-per-Cents included); 'To guard your rest from every care that cankers, -- To keep your life,' -- (and balance at your banker's). 'Compel me not to long for your reply; Suspense makes havoc with the mind -- (and muscles); 'Winged Hope takes flight,' -- (which means that I must fly, Default of funds, to Paris or to Brussels); 'I cannot wait! My own, my queen -- PRISCILLA! Write by return.' And now for a Manilla! 'Miss Blank,' at 'Blank.' Jemima, let it go; And I, meanwhile, will idle with 'Sir Walter'; Stay, let me keep the first rough copy, though -- 'Twill serve again. There's but the name to alter; And Love, -- that starves, -- must knock at every portal, In forma pauperis. We are but mortal! |