If such inclemency in Heav'n can dwell, And to the shades a ghost triumphant send : But for my country let my fate atone; own. 'Merit distress'd impartial Heav'n re lieves : 780 Unwelcome life relenting Phoebus gives; For not the vengeful Power, that glow'd with rage, With such amazing virtue durst engage. The clouds dispers'd, Apollo's wrath expired, And from the wond'ring God th' unwilling youth retired. Thence we these altars in his temple raise, And offer annual honours, feasts, and praise; These solemn feasts propitious Phœbus please; These honours, still renew'd, his ancient wrath appease. 'But say, illustrious guest! (adjoin'd the King) 790 What name you bear, from what high race you spring? The noble Tydeus stands confess'd, and known Our neighbour prince, and heir of Calydon: Relate your fortunes, while the friendly night And silent hours to various talk invite.' The Theban bends on earth his gloomy CHAUCER WOMEN ben full of ragerie, Yet swinken not sans secresie. But ho! our Nephew,' crieth one; 10 Lo, here is Coz, and here is Miss.' But, as he glozeth with speeches soote, The Ducke sore tickleth his Erse-roote: Fore-piece and buttons all-to-brest, Forth thrust a white neck and red crest. 20 'Te-hee,' cried ladies; clerke nought spake; Miss stared, and grey Ducke crieth 'quaake.' 'O Moder, Moder!' quoth the Daughter, A brandy and tobacco shop is neare, And here a sailor's jacket hangs to dry. Scolds answer foul-mouth'd Scolds; bac neighbourhood I ween. The snappish cur (the passengers' annoy) Close at my heel with yelping treble flies; The whimp'ring Girl, and hoarser scream ing Boy, Join to the yelping treble shrilling cries; The scolding Quean to louder notes doth rise, And her full pipes those shrilling cries confound; To her full pipes the grunting hog replies; The grunting hogs alarm the neighbours round, And Curs, Girls, Boys, and Scolds, in the deep bass are drown'd. |