 | Poems |  |
190
POPULARITY.
A THOUGHT FROM SHENSTONE.
With a cynical sneer, you inform me, kind sir,—And vanity thence, and much weakness infer,—
“That I love Popularity!” “Man, it is true:—
“You start at my frankness—but, pr'ythee don't you?
“Be certain, 'tis planted, the Love in your breast,
“Of the means to engage, tho', perhaps, not possest.
“You redden—I smile—: but, your pardon, I cry—
“Allow me a question, and make your reply;
“Find you not in your bosom a reigning desire,
“To be lov'd by all those you esteem and admire;
“To be lov'd e'en by all of your nature and kind?”—
“Yes sure!”—“Popularity then is defin'd.
“What more than the love of being lov'd is in this?
“And tell me, sir cynic, is that aught amiss?”
| Poems | |