Prolused of humankind promiscuous.

And, since the large contention less avails

Than instances observed, he told them tales--Tales

of the shop, the bed, the court, the street,

Intimate, elemental, indiscreet:

Occasions where Confusion smiting swift

Piles jest on jest as snow-slides pile the drift.

Whence, one by one, beneath derisive skies,

The victims bare, bewildered heads arise:

Tales of the passing of the spirit, graced