Nor, if unto the World I ever gave it,
Would some believe that such a tale had been:
But such intent I never had, nor have it;
Some truths are better kept behind a screen,
Especially when they would look like lies;
I therefore deal in generalities.[NB]
LXXXI.
"An oyster may be crossed in love"[724]—and why?
Because he mopeth idly in his shell,
And heaves a lonely subterraqueous sigh,