Spare us, great Oscar, from this dire mischance!
We'll perish ere we yield thee up to France!
"Wise Hardy! Thou dost gauge the modern taste:
Hence on man's Lust thy latest book is based—
A story of Seduction wins success,
Thus hast thou well deserved thy cash for 'Tess.'
Pure morals are old-fashioned—Virtue's name
Is a mere butt for 'chaff' or vulgar blame,
But novels that defy all codes and laws