That fall beneath in venerable flow,
And crown my brows above with feathery pride!
High on your summit, wisdom’s mimick’d air
Sits thron’d with pedantry, her solemn sire,
And in her net of awe-diffusing hair,
Entangles fools, and bids the crowd admire.
O’er every lock, that floats in full display,
Sage ignorance her gloom scholastic throws;
And stamps o’er all my visage, once so gay,
Unmeaning gravity’s serene repose.