Say which enjoys the greater blisses,
John, who Dorinda's picture kisses,
Or Tom, his friend, the favor'd elf,
Who kisses fair Dorinda's self?
Faith, 'tis not easy to divine,
While both are thus with raptures fainting,
To which the balance should incline,
Since Tom and John both kiss a painting.
THE POINT DECIDED.
Nay, surely John's the happier of the twain,
Because—the picture can not kiss again!
TRUE NOBILITY.
Young Stirps as any lord is proud,
Vain, haughty, insolent, and loud,
Games, drinks, and in the full career
Of vice, may vie with any peer;
Seduces daughters, wives, and mothers,
Spends his own cash, and that of others,
Pays like a lord—that is to say,
He never condescends to pay,
But bangs his creditor in requital—
And yet this blockhead wants a title!
TO A LIAR.
Lie as long as you will, my fine fellow, believe me,
Your rhodomontading will never deceive me;
Though you took me in THEN, I confess, my good youth,
When moved by caprice you once told me the truth.
MENDAX.
See yonder goes old Mendax, telling lies
To that good easy man with whom he's walking;
How know I that? you ask, with some surprise;
Why, don't you see, my friend, the fellow's talking.
THE BAD-WIFE.
SAVANS have decided, that search the globe round,
One only bad wife in the world can be found;
The worst of it is, as her name is not known,
Not a husband but swears that bad wife is his own.