Nor would I have the Sisters of the Hill

Behold their bard in such a dishabille.

Absent, but only absent for a time,

Let them caress some dearer son of rhyme;

Let them, as far as decency permits,

Without suspicion, play the fool with wits,

'Gainst fools be guarded; 'tis a certain rule,

Wits are false things, there's danger in a fool.

Let them, tho' modest, Gray more modest woo;

Let them with Mason bleat, and bray, and coo;