Tales.
97
When Madam sees the coast is clear,
Her spirits mantle and career;
Diffusing ardour thro' her mien,
Pity they should condense to spleen!
But now by honour she 's confin'd, 55
Who flutter'd once as free as wind,
And on a masquerading morn
By six securely could return;
Having to seal him safe till nine
With opium drugg'd her spouse's wine. 60
This the gay world no worse would hold
Than had she only chang'd his gold:
The species answer'd all demands,
And only pass'd thro' other hands.
But honour now prescribes the law, 65
The tyrant keeps her will in awe;
And not a chitterling at home.
For charity forbid to roam
What! a large stomach and no meat!
In pity, Love! provide a treat. 70
Can widows feed on dreams and wishes,
Like hags on visionary dishes?
Impossible! thro' walls of stone
Hunger will break to suck a bone.
Want, oft' in times of old, we read, 75
Made mothers on their infants feed,
And now constrain'd this matron mild
To grow hard-hearted to her child.
Her spirits mantle and career;
Diffusing ardour thro' her mien,
Pity they should condense to spleen!
But now by honour she 's confin'd, 55
Who flutter'd once as free as wind,
And on a masquerading morn
By six securely could return;
Having to seal him safe till nine
With opium drugg'd her spouse's wine. 60
This the gay world no worse would hold
Than had she only chang'd his gold:
The species answer'd all demands,
And only pass'd thro' other hands.
But honour now prescribes the law, 65
The tyrant keeps her will in awe;
And not a chitterling at home.
For charity forbid to roam
What! a large stomach and no meat!
In pity, Love! provide a treat. 70
Can widows feed on dreams and wishes,
Like hags on visionary dishes?
Impossible! thro' walls of stone
Hunger will break to suck a bone.
Want, oft' in times of old, we read, 75
Made mothers on their infants feed,
And now constrain'd this matron mild
To grow hard-hearted to her child.
