The English Dance of Death from the designs of Thomas Rowlandson, with metrical illustrations, by the author of "Doctor Syntax" [i.e. William Combe] |
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 | II. |
 | The English Dance of Death |  |
Belinda, all in silence heard,
As each his diff'rent claim preferr'd:
No look or word or smile had given
The Hope of matrimonial Heav'n:
The Lady's Philosophic sense
Had not felt any Preference;
And, on revolving many a scheme
By which to wake and fix esteem,
She thought it might be better done
By personal Comparison.
Hence she resolv'd to bring them all
Before her, in her spacious Hall,
And, to th'assembled groupe, relate
Her notions of the Nuptial State;
When each, as it might best beseem,
Would gravely treat the solemn Theme;
And, in the others presence, tell
The points in which each might excel.
—The plan once form'd, her resolution
Brought it to instant execution.
As each his diff'rent claim preferr'd:
No look or word or smile had given
The Hope of matrimonial Heav'n:
The Lady's Philosophic sense
Had not felt any Preference;
And, on revolving many a scheme
By which to wake and fix esteem,
She thought it might be better done
By personal Comparison.
Hence she resolv'd to bring them all
Before her, in her spacious Hall,
And, to th'assembled groupe, relate
Her notions of the Nuptial State;
When each, as it might best beseem,
Would gravely treat the solemn Theme;
And, in the others presence, tell
The points in which each might excel.
178
Brought it to instant execution.
| The English Dance of Death | |