The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley Collected and Edited from the Old Editions: With a preface on the text, explanatory and textual notes, an appendix containing works of doubtful authenticity, and a bibliography: By V. de Sola Pinto |
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 | The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley |  |
CXXIX
A Lady, asking the Author's Opinion of two Gentlemen, her Lovers,
occasioned the following Lines
With decent Carriage, and an artful Stile,
The prudent Cynthio does the World beguile,
And hides the Satyr underneath the Smile.
The prudent Cynthio does the World beguile,
And hides the Satyr underneath the Smile.
Not so Astolpho, gen'rous and sincere,
He ne'er at common Failings is severe;
Open his Words, and undisguis'd his Soul,
He let's no trifling Humour spoil the Whole:
Ne'er sooths the harmless Foibles of Mankind,
Vainly, inhumanly, to laugh behind;
Wisely, at nobler Merit, he aspires,
And more the Name of Man, than Wit desires.
He ne'er at common Failings is severe;
Open his Words, and undisguis'd his Soul,
He let's no trifling Humour spoil the Whole:
Ne'er sooths the harmless Foibles of Mankind,
Vainly, inhumanly, to laugh behind;
Wisely, at nobler Merit, he aspires,
And more the Name of Man, than Wit desires.
Teach me, kind Heav'n, to make so good a Choice;
Let Truth alone inspire an honest Voice:
Far from me keep the frothy Part of Wit;
Let me be dull,—but not an Hypocrite.
Let Truth alone inspire an honest Voice:
Far from me keep the frothy Part of Wit;
Let me be dull,—but not an Hypocrite.
| The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley | |