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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| III. |
| IV. |
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| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
 | CHAPTER IV. YOUTH. The Dance of Life |  |
But thus, in sober scenes employ'd
His frolic spirit felt a void,
And sought to beat in livelier measure,
Accordant to the song of pleasure;
Nor was it long e'er Fancy's charms
His vacant, restless bosom warms
T'extend the circle which confin'd
In College Rules his active mind.
He hears the flippant tongue repeat
The vagrant tale, the smart conceit,
With envious sympathy admires
The sprightly strain that wine inspires;
And, while he feels the social joy,
New views of things his thoughts employ.
He soon discovers that the Heir
Of twice five thousand pounds a year,
Could not, in Reason's eye, be made
To follow Learning as a trade;
That Education in its plan,
To form the future Gentleman,
Allows a system less severe,
Less shackled, in its pliant sphere,
For those whom Fate's decrees ordain
To move where rank and Fortune reign.
—'Twas thus he reason'd, thus was taught
To give a livelier turn to thought;
And, thus betray'd by witless pride,
Took well-dress'd Folly for his guide.
His frolic spirit felt a void,
And sought to beat in livelier measure,
Accordant to the song of pleasure;
Nor was it long e'er Fancy's charms
His vacant, restless bosom warms
T'extend the circle which confin'd
In College Rules his active mind.
He hears the flippant tongue repeat
The vagrant tale, the smart conceit,
With envious sympathy admires
The sprightly strain that wine inspires;
And, while he feels the social joy,
New views of things his thoughts employ.
105
Of twice five thousand pounds a year,
Could not, in Reason's eye, be made
To follow Learning as a trade;
That Education in its plan,
To form the future Gentleman,
Allows a system less severe,
Less shackled, in its pliant sphere,
For those whom Fate's decrees ordain
To move where rank and Fortune reign.
—'Twas thus he reason'd, thus was taught
To give a livelier turn to thought;
And, thus betray'd by witless pride,
Took well-dress'd Folly for his guide.
| CHAPTER IV. YOUTH. The Dance of Life | |