The Dance of Life A Poem, by the author of "Doctor Syntax;%" [i.e. William Combe] Illustrated with coloured engravings, by Thomas Rowlandson |
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| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
 | CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life |  |
Thus, sitting in her elbow chair,
She watch'd, with penetrating care
The daily task, and thus deferr'd
The angry look, and threat'ning word:
For when the Doctor 'gan to frown,
And marks of discontent were shown,
She instantly would ring the bell
And bid th'attending maid, to tell
The Footman to bring in the tray,
As it was Luncheon time of Day.
By ready order of the Dame
The Soup and the cold Chicken came;
White wine and red and foaming ale
Combin'd to furnish the regale;
And thus good-humour was restor'd,
As he enjoy'd the welcome board.
But while he play'd with knife and fork
He did not cease th'instructive work;
For as he drank, and as he eat,
He taught, as if a Classic treat,
The Latin names for every dish,
For Fowl, for Pastry, and for Fish;
Sparta's black Messes he defin'd,
And how the Greeks and Romans din'd.
She watch'd, with penetrating care
The daily task, and thus deferr'd
The angry look, and threat'ning word:
For when the Doctor 'gan to frown,
And marks of discontent were shown,
She instantly would ring the bell
And bid th'attending maid, to tell
The Footman to bring in the tray,
As it was Luncheon time of Day.
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The Soup and the cold Chicken came;
White wine and red and foaming ale
Combin'd to furnish the regale;
And thus good-humour was restor'd,
As he enjoy'd the welcome board.
But while he play'd with knife and fork
He did not cease th'instructive work;
For as he drank, and as he eat,
He taught, as if a Classic treat,
The Latin names for every dish,
For Fowl, for Pastry, and for Fish;
Sparta's black Messes he defin'd,
And how the Greeks and Romans din'd.
| CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life | |