Well! till we understand it better, It's quite impossible to call! "Old Mr. Fund, the London Banker, I would not, for the world, cast anchor The roof's as crazy as its master, And he was born in fifty-six; Stairs creaking- cracks in every landing,— We shan't find post or pillar standing, "Who was that sweetest of sweet creatures My brother, (this is quite between us) Poor Arthur,-'t was a sad affair; Love at first sight!—she's quite a Venus, But then she's poorer far than fair; And so my father and my mother Agreed it would not do at all; "And there's an author, full of knowledge; And there's a captain on half-pay; And sweet Sir Marcus from the Shannon, A maiden lady is adorning The faded front of Lily Hall:- Upon my word, the first fine morning, We'll make a round, my dear, and call.” Alas! disturb not, maid and matron, The swallow in my humble thatch; Your son may find a better patron, Your niece may meet a richer match: I can't afford to give a dinner, I never was on Almack's list; And, since I seldom rise a winner, I never like to play at whist: Unknown to me the stocks are falling, Unwatched by me the glass may fall; Let all the world pursue its calling,I'm not at home if people call. THE FANCY BALL A visor for a visor! What care I What curious eye doth quote deformities? ROMEO AND JULIET. "You used to talk," said Miss Mac Call, You'd better burn your Blackstone, sir, There's a Fancy Ball at Winchester, - I made that night a solemn vow I wore white muslin on my brow, Oh, a fancy ball's a strange affair! Made up of silks and leathers, Light heads, light heels, false hearts, false hair, Pins, paint, and ostrich feathers: The dullest duke in all the town, To-day may shine a droll one; And rakes, who have not half-a-crown, Go, call the lawyer from his pleas, And savages in satin; Let young and old forego-forget And none except the Cabinet Take counsel for the morrow. Begone, dull care! This life of ours Is very dark and chilly; We'll sleep through all its serious hours, |