The Dance of Life A Poem, by the author of "Doctor Syntax;%" [i.e. William Combe] Illustrated with coloured engravings, by Thomas Rowlandson |
 |
|
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
 | CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life |  |
She did her wish no sooner name,
Than Doctor Gravely, known to fame,
As an Instructor, skill'd and sage,
Came daily from his Vicarage,
And undertook the important care
To rear this well-born, wealthy Heir.
Learned he was in all the knowledge
Acquir'd in early years at College:
That was his boast, nor aught beside,
Did he e'er feel as food for pride.
“I'm a poor Vicar, and no more,”
He would exclaim; “but still a store
“Of Classic Knowledge, gain'd by toil
“That oft consum'd the midnight oil
“Is treasur'd up within my brain
“Which seldom mitred men obtain:
“With the most learned I would try
“My strength, nor fear the victory.
“Each Classic page, I read with ease,
“Homer and Aristophanes:
“I am as much,” he'd say, “at home,
“With every Sage of Greece or Rome,
“As in the Psalms, or said or sung,
“Translated in my native tongue.
“Hence, I protest, I envy not
“The purse-proud Loon, the wealthy Sot:
“Conscious that to me is given
“The true Nobility of Heaven.
“Kings may make Lords, but well I scan
“They cannot make a learned man.
“By Trade, the humblest means, we know,
“Do oft into profusion grow.
“Now I am, what nor Kings, nor Trade
“Have e'er by power or fortune made.
“I scarce can tell how I detest
“The man who is with Genius blest:
“To whom, O happy lot, is given
“The first and noblest boon of Heaven
“When he is seen to condescend,
“For sordid views, his mind to bend,
“To flatter fools, for golden shower,
“Or cringe to stately rogues in power.
“—Genius, that in every state
“Can make the man who has it great;
“If it be great to take the lead
“In just and honourable deed:
“'Midst all its various cares and strife,
“Genius that can enliven Life;
“That, in fair Fortune's bounteous feast,
“Gives Joy a more delicious taste;
“That, join'd with goodness, may defy
“The world's most stern calamity,
“And duly mix'd with that pure ore,
“Makes mortal virtue something more.
“O Genius, all these powers are thine,
“And well I know that thou art mine!
“—Respect should seek the good and wise
“Where'er their varying fortune lies;
“Whate'er their riches or degree,
“How proud soe'er their pedigree,
“Or though they should be poor as me.”
—Thus to himself he oft would talk
'Neath hedge-row elms, in evening walk;
Or when his neighbours did convene
At social Club or Bowling-Green;—
Nor was a doubting thought preferr'd
To what had been so often heard.
Than Doctor Gravely, known to fame,
As an Instructor, skill'd and sage,
Came daily from his Vicarage,
And undertook the important care
To rear this well-born, wealthy Heir.
Learned he was in all the knowledge
Acquir'd in early years at College:
That was his boast, nor aught beside,
Did he e'er feel as food for pride.
“I'm a poor Vicar, and no more,”
He would exclaim; “but still a store
79
“That oft consum'd the midnight oil
“Is treasur'd up within my brain
“Which seldom mitred men obtain:
“With the most learned I would try
“My strength, nor fear the victory.
“Each Classic page, I read with ease,
“Homer and Aristophanes:
“I am as much,” he'd say, “at home,
“With every Sage of Greece or Rome,
“As in the Psalms, or said or sung,
“Translated in my native tongue.
“Hence, I protest, I envy not
“The purse-proud Loon, the wealthy Sot:
“Conscious that to me is given
“The true Nobility of Heaven.
“Kings may make Lords, but well I scan
“They cannot make a learned man.
“By Trade, the humblest means, we know,
“Do oft into profusion grow.
“Now I am, what nor Kings, nor Trade
“Have e'er by power or fortune made.
80
“The man who is with Genius blest:
“To whom, O happy lot, is given
“The first and noblest boon of Heaven
“When he is seen to condescend,
“For sordid views, his mind to bend,
“To flatter fools, for golden shower,
“Or cringe to stately rogues in power.
“—Genius, that in every state
“Can make the man who has it great;
“If it be great to take the lead
“In just and honourable deed:
“'Midst all its various cares and strife,
“Genius that can enliven Life;
“That, in fair Fortune's bounteous feast,
“Gives Joy a more delicious taste;
“That, join'd with goodness, may defy
“The world's most stern calamity,
“And duly mix'd with that pure ore,
“Makes mortal virtue something more.
“O Genius, all these powers are thine,
“And well I know that thou art mine!
81
“Where'er their varying fortune lies;
“Whate'er their riches or degree,
“How proud soe'er their pedigree,
“Or though they should be poor as me.”
—Thus to himself he oft would talk
'Neath hedge-row elms, in evening walk;
Or when his neighbours did convene
At social Club or Bowling-Green;—
Nor was a doubting thought preferr'd
To what had been so often heard.
| CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life | |