XXXIII.

Where? where? - am I reduced to this-
Thus sunk in poverty extreme?
Can I not these vile things dismiss?

No! they are things that more than seem:
This room with that cross-parting beam
Holds yonder squalid tribe and me
But they were ever thus, nor dream
Of being wealthy, favour'd, free! -

XXXIV.

Shall I a coat and badge receive,
And sit among these crippled men,
And not go forth without the leave

Of him—and ask it humbly then ·
Who reigns in this infernal den—

Where all beside in woe repine? Yes, yes, I must: nor tongue nor pen Can paint such misery as mine!

XXXV.

Wretches! if ye were only poor,
You would my sympathy engage;
Or were ye vicious, and no more,
I might be fill'd with manly rage;
Or had ye patience, wise and sage
We might such worthy sufferers call:
But ye are birds that suit your cage—
Poor, vile, impatient, worthless all!

XXXVI.

How came I hither? Oh, that Hag! 'Tis she the enchanting spell prepares; By cruel witchcraft she can drag

My struggling being in her snares: Oh, how triumphantly she glares !

But yet would leave me, could I make Strong effort to subdue my cares.—

'TIS MADE!-and I to Freedom wake!

TALES.()

(1) [First published in August, 1812. See antè, Vol. I. p. 201]

ΤΟ

HER GRACE ISABELLA,

DUCHESS DOWAGER OF RUTLAND. (1)

MADAM,

THE dedication of works of literature to persons of superior worth and eminence appears to have been a measure early adopted, and continued to the present time; so that, whatever objections have been made to the language of dedicators, such addresses must be considered as perfectly consistent with reason and propriety; in fact, superior rank and elevated situation in life naturally and justly claim such respect; and it is the prerogative of greatness to give countenance and favour to all wno appear to merit and to need them: it is likewise the prerogative of every kind of superiority and celebrity, of personal merit when peculiar or extra

(1) [See antè, Vol. I. p. 114.]