Thrale lost midst fiddles and sopranos,

With them plays fortes and pianos,

Adagio and allegro.

I loved Thrale's widow and Thrale's wife

But now, believe—to write my life!

I'd rather trust my negro.

I gave the public works of merit,

Written with vigour, fraught with spirit,

Applause crowned all my labours;

But thy delusive pages speak