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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| VII. |
| VIII. |
 | CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life |  |
The Doctor, who perceiv'd the drift
Of this Contrivance, gave a lift
To a design that did invite
Th'indulgence of his appetite;
For soon as e'er he felt it crave
At first he look'd a little grave;
But growing hungry, he grew sour,
Which soon advanc'd the Luncheon hour.
—Nor was it seldom he was sought
To take a Dinner where he taught;
And at Sir William's splendid board,
He eat and drank like any Lord;
Where he was rather prone to flatter
In classic terms, and pompous chatter.
Thus entertain'd his words grew mild;
Nay, He would often praise the child;
While Harry, finding calmer days,
Strove wisely to deserve the praise;—
And Granny loll'd in easy chair,
Without a fear, without a care.
Of this Contrivance, gave a lift
To a design that did invite
Th'indulgence of his appetite;
For soon as e'er he felt it crave
At first he look'd a little grave;
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Which soon advanc'd the Luncheon hour.
—Nor was it seldom he was sought
To take a Dinner where he taught;
And at Sir William's splendid board,
He eat and drank like any Lord;
Where he was rather prone to flatter
In classic terms, and pompous chatter.
Thus entertain'd his words grew mild;
Nay, He would often praise the child;
While Harry, finding calmer days,
Strove wisely to deserve the praise;—
And Granny loll'd in easy chair,
Without a fear, without a care.
| CHAPTER II. CHILDHOOD. The Dance of Life | |