XCVII

Now, who might be the speaker sweet and arch

That laughed above Paul's shoulder as it heaved

With the indignant heart?—bade steal a march

And not continue charging? Who conceived

This plan which set our Paul, like pea you parch

On fire-shovel, skipping, of a load relieved,

From arm-chair moodiness to escritoire

Sacred to Phœbus and the tuneful choir?

XCVIII