The three tours of Doctor Syntax In search of 1. The picturesque, 2. Of consolation, 3. Of a wife. The text complete. [By William Combe] With four illustrations |
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 | The three tours of Doctor Syntax |  |
By many surely 'tis believ'd, (Though they perhaps may be deceiv'd,)
For on what grounds I cannot see, That, urg'd by Curiosity,
The Ladies look with keener ken, Than the less eager eye of men:
But howsoe'er the truth may prove, This principle began to move
In Madam Hearty's anxious thought,
Why Mrs. Syntax was not brought.
It seem'd so strange and so unkind, That she should thus be left behind.
She might indeed have had an heir, Since she had paid a visit there,
And could not leave so great a joy, As nursing a dear, darling boy:
But wherefore should the Doctor hide
What might be such a source of pride?
She might be ill and could not come;
But then he would not quit his home.
These and a dozen queries more Her doubting fancy brooded o'er:
But howsoe'er her wish might long,
She knew her place and held her tongue,
And left the 'Squire to decree Th'unfolding of this mystery.
For on what grounds I cannot see, That, urg'd by Curiosity,
The Ladies look with keener ken, Than the less eager eye of men:
But howsoe'er the truth may prove, This principle began to move
In Madam Hearty's anxious thought,
Why Mrs. Syntax was not brought.
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She might indeed have had an heir, Since she had paid a visit there,
And could not leave so great a joy, As nursing a dear, darling boy:
But wherefore should the Doctor hide
What might be such a source of pride?
She might be ill and could not come;
But then he would not quit his home.
These and a dozen queries more Her doubting fancy brooded o'er:
But howsoe'er her wish might long,
She knew her place and held her tongue,
And left the 'Squire to decree Th'unfolding of this mystery.
| The three tours of Doctor Syntax | |