49 



While simpering Miss, at home, so orthodox, 

 Here, ogles boldly from her opera box ; 

 To come, from night to night, she sighs, 

 And waxes maudlin o er the tenor s eyes ; 

 While Pater, lost in dreams of &quot;Speculation,&quot; 

 Damns (to himself) the whole Italian nation. 

 Although constrained, by Fashion s tyrant laws, 

 To take a box, and join in the applause. 

 Prim, at his side, sits stately dowager, 

 Listening to love from pauper foreigner, 

 Who, ceaseless chattering, seeks to win her 

 To give him (moderate man!) a card to dinner! 

 Here, buck pretentious mid the glitter glares, 

 In fashion s gayest garb, and apish airs ; 

 Poses himself, as does the Belvidcre, 

 And shoots his witching arrows far and near, 

 That harmless fall among the older game, 

 Though little youngling feels the feathered flame ; 

 With many an ogle then he doth afflict her, 

 As on his rabbit glares the boa-constrictor, 

 Around her prances, prinks, and swaggers, 

 While she goes home to dream of &quot;love and 

 daggers.&quot; 





