Tales.
105
And then successively did grow
From a half-wit a finish'd beau; 50
(For fops thus naturally rise,
As maggots turn to butterflies)
This spark, as story tells, before
Had held with Madam an amour,
Which he resolving to pursue, 55
Exactly took the proper cue;
And on the wings of Love he flies
To Lady Abbess in disguise,
And tells her he had brought th' advowson
Of soul and body to dispose on. 60
Old Sanctity, who nothing fear'd
In petticoats without a beard,
Fond of a proselyte and fees,
Admits the fox among the geese.
Here duty, wealth, and honour, prove, 65
Tho' three to one, too weak for Love;
And to describe the war throughout
Would make a glorious piece no doubt,
Where moral virtues might be slain,
And rise, and fight, and fall again; 70
Love should a bloody myrtle wear,
And, like Camilla, fierce and fair,
The Nun should charge.—But I forbear,
All human joys, tho' sweet in tasting,
Are seldom (more 's the pity!) lasting. 75
From a half-wit a finish'd beau; 50
(For fops thus naturally rise,
As maggots turn to butterflies)
This spark, as story tells, before
Had held with Madam an amour,
Which he resolving to pursue, 55
Exactly took the proper cue;
And on the wings of Love he flies
To Lady Abbess in disguise,
And tells her he had brought th' advowson
Of soul and body to dispose on. 60
Old Sanctity, who nothing fear'd
In petticoats without a beard,
Fond of a proselyte and fees,
Admits the fox among the geese.
Here duty, wealth, and honour, prove, 65
Tho' three to one, too weak for Love;
And to describe the war throughout
Would make a glorious piece no doubt,
Where moral virtues might be slain,
And rise, and fight, and fall again; 70
Love should a bloody myrtle wear,
And, like Camilla, fierce and fair,
The Nun should charge.—But I forbear,
All human joys, tho' sweet in tasting,
Are seldom (more 's the pity!) lasting. 75
