To Neria naught but friendship he'd express.

Like Damon, husbands nowhere now are found,

And I'm not certain, such were e'er on ground.

I rather fancy, hist'ry is not here,

What we would wish, since truth it don't revere,

I nothing in the hippogriff perceive,

Or lance enchanted, but we may believe;

Yet this I must confess has raised surprise,

Howe'er, to pass it will perhaps suffice;

I've many passed the same,—in ancient days;