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 |  |
Thus Madam, with habitual art, Continued her presiding part;
Did with her smiles the Doctor crown, Or silence Billy with a frown;
And, in a well-adapted measure, Alternately display'd her pleasure;
Her tongue was never at a stand, But play'd at Question and Command:
She could affirm and could deny With mild impetuosity,
And scarce her question could be heard,
Ere she an answer had preferr'd:
Thus, till the absence of the cloth, She to and fro employ'd them both;
At once th'attention to delight And give a grace to appetite.
The dinner pass'd as dinners do;
Ma'am's health was drunk and she withdrew;
But as the lady left the chair With solemn smile but gracious air,
“Doctor,” she said, “I know your taste
Is not your time and thoughts to waste
In that intemp'rance which gives birth
To boist'rous noise and vulgar mirth,
Which, with its loud and clam'rous brawls,
Too oft has echoed in these walls;
But, if I can such feats restrain, Shall seldom echo here again.
Pray let not that good man prevail To swill yourself with sluggard ale:
But when you've sipp'd a glass or so Of wine that makes the bosom glow,
Let him go booze his fav'rite liquor With the exciseman and the vicar,
While I expect my rev'rend friend Will in the drawing-room attend.”
The rev'rend Friend bow'd his assent, And with a flirt the lady went.
The 'Squire who scarce had spoke a word
While dinner smok'd upon the board,
No sooner was the fair-one gone But he assum'd a lofty tone.
Did with her smiles the Doctor crown, Or silence Billy with a frown;
And, in a well-adapted measure, Alternately display'd her pleasure;
Her tongue was never at a stand, But play'd at Question and Command:
She could affirm and could deny With mild impetuosity,
And scarce her question could be heard,
Ere she an answer had preferr'd:
Thus, till the absence of the cloth, She to and fro employ'd them both;
At once th'attention to delight And give a grace to appetite.
The dinner pass'd as dinners do;
Ma'am's health was drunk and she withdrew;
But as the lady left the chair With solemn smile but gracious air,
259
Is not your time and thoughts to waste
In that intemp'rance which gives birth
To boist'rous noise and vulgar mirth,
Which, with its loud and clam'rous brawls,
Too oft has echoed in these walls;
But, if I can such feats restrain, Shall seldom echo here again.
Pray let not that good man prevail To swill yourself with sluggard ale:
But when you've sipp'd a glass or so Of wine that makes the bosom glow,
Let him go booze his fav'rite liquor With the exciseman and the vicar,
While I expect my rev'rend friend Will in the drawing-room attend.”
The rev'rend Friend bow'd his assent, And with a flirt the lady went.
The 'Squire who scarce had spoke a word
While dinner smok'd upon the board,
No sooner was the fair-one gone But he assum'd a lofty tone.
| The three tours of Doctor Syntax | |