’Tis all in vain; the world will ne’er inquire
On such a score. Why should it take the pains?
’Tis easier to weigh purses, sure, than brains.
I once saw a poor devil, keen and clever,
Witty and wise; he paid a man a visit,
And no one noticed him, and no one ever
Gave him a welcome. “Strange,” cried I, “whence it is so!”
He walked on this side, then on that,
He tried to introduce a social chat;
Now here, now there, in vain he tried;