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Shall a mere truant from the grave
with rival boys engage?
His trembling voice attempt to sing,
and ape the Poet's rage?
with rival boys engage?
His trembling voice attempt to sing,
and ape the Poet's rage?
Here, Madam! let me visit one,
my fault who, partly, shares,
And tell myself, by telling him,
what more becomes our years;
my fault who, partly, shares,
And tell myself, by telling him,
what more becomes our years;
And if your breast with prudent zeal
for Resignation glows,
You will not disapprove a just
resentment at its foes.
for Resignation glows,
You will not disapprove a just
resentment at its foes.
In youth, V—taire! our foibles plead
for some indulgence due;
When heads are white, their thoughts, and aims,
should change their colour too:
for some indulgence due;
When heads are white, their thoughts, and aims,
should change their colour too:
How are you cheated by your wit?
old age is bound to pay,
By nature's law, a mind discreet,
for joys it takes away;
old age is bound to pay,
By nature's law, a mind discreet,
for joys it takes away;
A mighty change is wrought by years,
reversing human lot;
In age 'tis honour to lie hid,
its praise to be forgot;
reversing human lot;
In age 'tis honour to lie hid,
its praise to be forgot;
The
