SONG OF THE CIGAR SMOKER. 135 Than woman's praise, not poets' lays Are sweeter to manhood's ear; And the dazzling light of her beauty bright, But her praises fair, like smoke in the air, And the witching wile of her dazzling smile Then bring the flame !—as we light the same, Though rich the glow, in its generous flow, Of the bright and ruby wine, And though worthy fame, and an honoured name, Be dearest wish of mine, Yet the cup hath a sting, which too oft doth bring And foul slander's loathsome taint will cling Then bring the flame!—away with fame, We draw from the fragrant weed! Then let poets rare, sing of ladies fair, As its balm I prove, I but laugh at love— With thee, trusty friend, all my troubles end, Of the joys we love, there are none above AN ALBUM DEDICATION. A BOOK's before me-each fair virgin page She says she'd have me "Something in it write Most Dedications are but stupid things, (I should not wonder if this proved the same!) They used to be addressed to lords and kings, And still thrive chiefly upon borrowed fame: There are, 'tis true, exceptions I could nameFor instance, that to WILLIS's "Bianca ;"But for the mass I would'nt give a thank ye! 12* The fashion's to address your Dedication (And his to gain,) your volume you commend; But I'm not fashionable-Heaven forfend!And so I'll e'en select the wildest rangers; Instead of friends, I dedicate to strangers! First then, ånd chief, unto plain Common-Sense, To the intent that they may ne'er imbibe Aught inconsistent with that due decorum, Which these exact from all who come before 'em! To Friendship, fervent, lasting and sincere, This little volume next I dedicate; Here let Affection, fond, herself enshrine, LETTER CONGRATULATORY, TO QUEEN VICTORIA ON HER MARRIAGE. LADY: God send thee, in thy new condition, Fair Queen! thus o'er the broad Atlantic's waters, A year or two, nay, few short months ago, You had not thanked me for the wish, I ween; Though doubtless now it comes quite apropos, Since (so the papers tell us,) you, fair Queen, At length are married; and-and so and soPshaw!--but you understand what 'tis I mean ! When ladies wed, we don't of course expect That they belong to the Malthusian sect! |