45
'Obscuri sub luce maligna.'—Virg.
Scarce any scandal, but has a handle;
In truth most falsehoods have their rise;
Truth first unlocks Pandora's box,
And out there fly a host of lies.
Malignant light, by cloudy night,
To precipices it decoys one!
One nectar-drop from Jove's own shop
Will flavour a whole cup of poison.
First published in Morning Post, Sept. 23, 1802.
46
Old Harpy jeers at castles in the air,
And thanks his stars, whenever Edmund speaks,
That such a dupe as that is not his heir—
But know, old Harpy! that these fancy freaks,
Though vain and light, as floating gossamer,
Always amuse, and sometimes mend the heart:
A young man's idlest hopes are still his pleasures,
And fetch a higher price in Wisdom's mart
Than all the unenjoying Miser's treasures.
First published in Morning Post, Sept. 23, 1802. Included in P. R., 1802, ii. 868. Adapted from Wernicke, Bk. VII, No. 40, An einen Geizhals.