}

270

'Tis dangerous to indulge, 'tis grievous to deny!

This he will choose, and whispering asks the price.

The purchase dreadful, but the portion nice;

Within the pocket he explores the pence;

Without, temptation strikes on either sense,

The sight, the smell;—but then he thinks again

Of money gone! while fruit nor taste remain.

Meantime there comes an eager thoughtless boy,