 | At the holy well |  |
55
CONFIDENCES.
IN A BOOK OF LIKES AND DISLIKES.
[_]
Written after the following printed indications: 1. Write your favourite virtue. 2. Favourite character in history. 3. The character in history you despise most. 4. Favourite prose author. 5. Favourite poet. 6. Favourite occupation. 7. Favourite colour. 8. Favourite flower. 9. Favourite food. 10. Favourite name. 11. Favourite motto. 12. What you dislike most. 13. What you consider the greatest happiness on earth. 14. Your pet name. 15. Full signature.
1.
My favourite virtue, what is that? Ah me!—I'll “make a virtue of Necessity.”
2.
That ancient apple-eater I like, madam—The frontispiece of all history—the Old Adam.
3.
Tyrants and traitors—bloody-handed men—I think of these with hesitating pen,
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(But Nero's once had flowers) their ghosts and cries!—
They claim appeal, with pale imploring look:
“The Supreme Court—the true Historian's Book!”
4.
My favourite author, must I name—in prose?I'm sure I know not. The dear Lord only knows!
—He'll write the last new novel, I suppose.
5.
The Children of the Muse, nor great nor small.I can but see the Mother's face in all
Reflected. Some have names, as—thus and thus.
Before and after walks Anonymous.
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6.
With “good intentions” wavering to and fro(Stone-breaking might be worthier work, you know),
To pave those burning sidewalks Down Below!
7.
The ebon Black that makes the star more bright,Or White, wherein all colours end in light.
8.
Rose, Lily, or Violet—the lovely ThreeThat represent their race in poetry.
9.
“Sour Grapes.”10.
I think that name, of all the host,I like the best is—hers I love the most!
11.
Sic transit gloria Mundi.” (Let it pass!)12.
To see my death's-head's vanity in a glass.58
13.
The earliest Dream of Happiness, at mostTo dream—nor wake to see its latest ghost.
14.
'Tis closed on Memory's lips, how dear!15.
—Now, thatI've answered, I remain,
J. J. P*att.
| At the holy well | |