OF TEMPER.
43
The fiery demon, temper-troubling Gout,
Who sinks the lively, and appals the stout;
Who now, assisting Spleen's malignant aim,
Shoots in quick throbbings thro' Sir Gilbert's frame.
Thus sorely pester'd by a double foe,
Galling his giddy brain, and burning toe,
The testy knight, with stern and sullen air,
Denounc'd his humour to the shuddering fair:
"Go change your dress! give up this vain delight!
I will not hear of masquerades to-night:
I must recall my word, too fondly meant,
So change your dress, and sit with me content."
As the proud dame, whose avaricious glee
Built golden castles in the rich South Sea,
Gaz'd on her broker, when he told her first
Her wealth was vanish'd, and the bubble burst:
So gaz'd the nymph, hearing her sire destroy
Her airy palace of ideal joy.
First her fond thoughts to flattering doubt incline,
And deem the harsh command no fix'd design,
Who sinks the lively, and appals the stout;
Who now, assisting Spleen's malignant aim,
Shoots in quick throbbings thro' Sir Gilbert's frame.
Thus sorely pester'd by a double foe,
Galling his giddy brain, and burning toe,
The testy knight, with stern and sullen air,
Denounc'd his humour to the shuddering fair:
"Go change your dress! give up this vain delight!
I will not hear of masquerades to-night:
I must recall my word, too fondly meant,
So change your dress, and sit with me content."
As the proud dame, whose avaricious glee
Built golden castles in the rich South Sea,
Gaz'd on her broker, when he told her first
Her wealth was vanish'd, and the bubble burst:
So gaz'd the nymph, hearing her sire destroy
Her airy palace of ideal joy.
First her fond thoughts to flattering doubt incline,
And deem the harsh command no fix'd design,
