THE PLATONIC SPELL.
33
O! should I lose my dearest dear,
By thee, and all that's good, I swear,
I'd give myself the fatal blow,
And wait thee to the world below. 20
When Wheedle thus to spouse in bed
Spoke the best things he e'er had read,
Madam, surpris'd, (you must suppose it)
Had lock'd a Templar in the closet;
A youth of pregnant parts and worth, 25
To play at picquet, and so forth—
This wag, when he had heard the whole,
Demurely to the curtain stole,
And peeping in, with solemn tone,
Cry'd out, "O Man! thy days are done: 30
"The gods are fearful of the worst,
"And send me, Death, to fetch thee first;
"To save their fav'rite from self-murder,
"Lo! thus I execute their order."
"Hold, Sir, for second thoughts are best," 35
The husband cry'd; "it is my request
"With pleasure to prolong my life."———
"Your meaning?"—"Pray, Sir, take my wife." 38
By thee, and all that's good, I swear,
I'd give myself the fatal blow,
And wait thee to the world below. 20
When Wheedle thus to spouse in bed
Spoke the best things he e'er had read,
Madam, surpris'd, (you must suppose it)
Had lock'd a Templar in the closet;
A youth of pregnant parts and worth, 25
To play at picquet, and so forth—
This wag, when he had heard the whole,
Demurely to the curtain stole,
And peeping in, with solemn tone,
Cry'd out, "O Man! thy days are done: 30
"The gods are fearful of the worst,
"And send me, Death, to fetch thee first;
"To save their fav'rite from self-murder,
"Lo! thus I execute their order."
"Hold, Sir, for second thoughts are best," 35
The husband cry'd; "it is my request
"With pleasure to prolong my life."———
"Your meaning?"—"Pray, Sir, take my wife." 38
THE PLATONIC SPELL.
"Whene'er I wed," young Strephon cry'd,
"Ye Pow'rs that o'er the noose preside!
"Wit, beauty, wealth, good humour, give,
"Or let me still a rover live;
"Ye Pow'rs that o'er the noose preside!
"Wit, beauty, wealth, good humour, give,
"Or let me still a rover live;
