Secure of any swain she chose, A clown could take her eye?" 2. But whispers through the village ran, 3. Edgar did love, but still delayed When from his lips the fair should learn, 4. At length, one morn, to taste the air, The youth and maid, in one horse chair, A long excursion took. Edgar had nerved his bashful heart, For ah! suspense had caused a smart, 5. He drove, nor slackened once his reins, Nor soul within ten miles to hear, 6. At last, one desperate effort broke Recounted past attendance o'er, 7. The maid, in silence, heard his prayer, And said, ""Tis time for you to know, 8. "Your penetration must be dull, Your wife! ha, ha! upon my wood, I never dream'd of such a thing 9. The lover sudden dropp'd his rein, Now on the center of the plain "The linch-pin's out!" he cried; "Be pleased, one moment, to alight, Till I can set the matter right, That we may safely ride." 10. He said, and handed out the fair, Then laughing, crack'd his whip in air, "What mean you, sir," the maiden cried, To leave me here, without a guide? 11. "What! take you home!" exclaim'd the beau, "Indeed, my dear, I'd like to know How such a hopeless wish could grow, Or in your bosom spring! What! take Ellen home? ha, ha! upon my word, As anything I ever heard; I never dream'd of such a thing." LESSON XXXVI. MARRIAGE PRO AND CON-ACCOUNT CURRENT. ANONYMOUS. 1. Oн, the woe that woman brings! Source of sorrow, grief, and pain! All our evils have their springs, In the first of female train. 2. Eve, by eating, led poor Adam Look for sorrow still, where madam, P WOMAN, DE 3. Courtship is a slavish pleasure, 4. Noisy clack and constant brawling, 5. Gaudy dress and haughty carriage, 6. Oh, what joys from woman spring, Till fair woman show'd her face. 7. When she came, good, honest Adam Clasp'd the gift with open arms, He left Eden for his madam, So our parent prized her charms. CONTRA, OR 8. Courtship thrills the soul with pleasure, Virtue's blush on beauty's cheek: Happy prelude to a treasure Kings have left their crowns to seek. 10. Modest dress and gentle carriage, LESSON XXXVII. ACCOUNT OF A BACHELOR. (A PARODY ON Romeo's apothecary.) ANONYMOUS. 1. I Do remember an old bachelor, And hereabouts he dwells; whom late I noted In suit of sables, with a care-worn brow, Conning his books, and meager were his looks: Celibacy had worn him to the bone; And in his silent parlor hung a coat, The which the moths had used not less than he. 2. Four chairs, one table, and an old hair trunk, 3. His tatter'd elbow gaped most piteously; And ever, as he turned him round, his skin |