I saw him, last week, at two balls and a party,—
For a Prince, his demeanour was rather too hearty.
You know, we are used to quite different graces,
*****
The Czar's look, I own, was much brighter and brisker,
But then he is sadly deficient in whisker;21
And wore but a starless blue coat, and in kersey-
mere breeches whisked round, in a waltz with the Jersey,[1]
Who, lovely as ever, seemed just as delighted
With Majesty's presence as those she invited.
**********
[First published, Letters and Journals, 1830, i. 561, 562 (note).]
ANSWER TO 'S PROFESSIONS OF AFFECTION.
In hearts like thine ne'er may I hold a place
Till I renounce all sense, all shame, all grace—
That seat,—like seats, the bane of Freedom's realm
But dear to those presiding at the helm—
Is basely purchased, not with gold alone;
Add Conscience, too, this bargain is your own—
'T is thine to offer with corrupting art
The rotten borough[2] of the human heart.
[From an autograph MS., now for the first time printed.]
- ↑ ["The Emperor," says Lady Vernon (Journal of Mary Frampton, pp. 225, 226), "is fond of dancing.... He waltzed with Lady Jersey, whom he admires, to the great discomposure of the Regent, who has quarrelled with her."]
- ↑ [The phrase, "rotten borough," was used by Sir F. Burdett, Examiner, October 12, 1812.]
