But mortgages will sap the best estate.

In Sherley's form might cherubims appear;

But then—she has a freckle on her ear."

Without a but, Hortensia she commends,

The first of women, and the best of friends;

Owns her in person, wit, fame, virtue, bright:

But how comes this to pass?—She died last night.

Thus nymphs commend, who yet at satire rail:

Indeed that's needless, if such praise prevail.

And whence such praise? Our virulence is thrown