To ladies let my drawing-room,
And in a whisky I can ride
With Charlotte smiling by my side.
'Tis thus I offer to your view,
What I have done,—for you to do."
Here this fine conversation ended,
But not, perhaps, as was intended,
Which strong temptations might display
To lead th' unsettled mind astray;
And, for a time, as fancy play'd,
Now beaming light, now seeking shade,
Ezekiel hover'd o'er the plan
Of specious rogue or honest man.
Perhaps a smart, neat, pleasant shop,
Did on his pericranium pop,
With his warm, faithful wish to crown,
The lovely Molly then his own:
Such interests might his purpose guide,
Till he was questioned by his pride;—
"—But can this be a proper plan
For one bred like a gentleman? |
'Tis true I cannot change the show
Of kitchen policy below,
There I must yield, I'm bound to know: | } |
But, in the regions above,
The whole in rectitude shall move;
To the Knight's goodness I may trust,
And faithful will I be and just;
Nor ever take or e'en receive
But what his favour's pleas'd to give;
Nor shall reproach my mind disgrace
Whene'er I look him in the face."
Such were his thoughts,—the grocer fail'd.
Thus honesty at length prevail'd,
And sav'd him, as things shortly stood,
From baseness of ingratitude. |
In a few days the parting gout
Gave the Knight leave to go about,
And one day in his arm-chair plac'd,
The table with its luncheon grac'd,