Life and Phantasy by William Allingham: With frontispiece by Sir John E. Millais: A design by Arthur H. Hughes and a song for voice and piano forte |
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 | Life and Phantasy |  |
139
IN A BOOK OF MAXIMS.
“Maxims” of wisdom,—minims fitlier named,If wise in any sense: the nobler part
Of human nature sneeringly disclaim'd,
The low put forward with malicious art!
Chicane at court and cheating in the mart
All see; but now examine unashamed
The vanities and failings of the famed,
The selfishness of good folk: does your heart
Not feel its cockles tickled? “We pretend
To nothing, you and I, we know too well
How mean we are; but just observe, my friend,
More closely these pretensions to excel,
And with a smile admit that, truth to tell,
You find us all poor creatures in the end!”
| Life and Phantasy | |