i.e.
Mr. Thomas Moore's lyrics, are
trifling, "precious
works," his Lordship ironically adds, that "please times from which," as his Lordship says, "taste and reason are passed away!"
Bye and by his Lordship delivers a still more plain opinion on Mr. Moore's fitness to be the "
Poet of All circles
."
"Who in soft guise, surrounded by a quire
Of virgins melting, not to Vesta's fire,
With sparkling eyes, and cheek by passion flush'd,
Strikes his wild lyre, while listening dames are hush'd?
'Tis Little, young Catullus of his day,
As sweet, but as immoral, in his lay;
Griev'd to condemn, the Muse must yet be just,
Nor spare melodious advocates of lust!"
"
O calum et terra!