OF TEMPER.
143
When he concerted, for his special mirth,
A masquerading on the stage of earth,
And of the swan's soft plume, or bull's rough hair,
Order'd the fancy-dress he chose to wear.
From whence let sapient antiquarians show
The ancient use of masquerades below.
Serena smil'd to see this joyous fire
Infuse new youth in her determin'd sire;
But mute Penelope, with half a sigh,
"With one auspicious and one dropping eye,"
Heard the firm knight his fixt resolve impart,
Tickling at once and torturing her heart.
The ball she relish'd, but abhorr'd the task
To hide her beauties in a beldam's mask:
Miranda's name would better suit her plan,
A simple maiden, not afraid of man;
But us'd, alas! her brother's law to feel,
She knows that law admits not of repeal.
Trusting her charms will any garb enrich,
She deigns to take the habit of a witch.
A masquerading on the stage of earth,
And of the swan's soft plume, or bull's rough hair,
Order'd the fancy-dress he chose to wear.
From whence let sapient antiquarians show
The ancient use of masquerades below.
Serena smil'd to see this joyous fire
Infuse new youth in her determin'd sire;
But mute Penelope, with half a sigh,
"With one auspicious and one dropping eye,"
Heard the firm knight his fixt resolve impart,
Tickling at once and torturing her heart.
The ball she relish'd, but abhorr'd the task
To hide her beauties in a beldam's mask:
Miranda's name would better suit her plan,
A simple maiden, not afraid of man;
But us'd, alas! her brother's law to feel,
She knows that law admits not of repeal.
Trusting her charms will any garb enrich,
She deigns to take the habit of a witch.
