But these are tales:—mere tales in easy dress.

To beauty's wiles, in ev'ry class, I've bowed;

Fawned, flattered, sighed, e'en constancy have vowed

What gained? you ask—but little I admit;

Howe'er we aim, too oft we fail to hit.

My latter days I'll now devote with care,

To guard the sex from ev'ry latent snare.

Tales I'll detail, and these relate at ease:

Narrations clear and neat will always please;

Like me, to this attention criticks pay;