But when, in social hours, you see combined
Genius and wisdom, fruits of heart and mind,
Good sense, good nature, wit in playful mood,
And candor, e’en from ill extracting good;
O, then, old friend, I must have back my hearing!
To want it then would be an ill past bearing.
I’d rather sit alone, in wakeful dreaming,
Than catch the sound of words without their meaning.
You will not promise? O, you’re very glum!
Right hard to manage, you’re so cold and dumb!