{ "id": "lord-byron/canto-xvi", "title": "Canto XVI", "ordinal": null, "subtitle": null, "poet": "Lord Byron", "poet_slug": "lord-byron", "language": "en", "book": "Don Juan", "book_slug": "don-juan", "book_kind": "volume", "sequence": 18, "container": null, "epigraph": null, "first_published": { "year": 1824, "venue": "Don Juan (1824)", "note": "First located printing is this volume; an earlier periodical printing has not been established.", "uncertain": false, "sources": [ "https://github.com/standardebooks/lord-byron_don-juan", "https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18762" ] }, "source": { "kind": "standard-ebooks", "repo": "standardebooks/lord-byron_don-juan", "file": "canto-16.xhtml", "upstream": [ "https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18762", "https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000667686" ], "rights": "public domain (SE dedication; underlying text pre-1931)" }, "verification": { "level": "structural-only", "last_checked": "2026-08-20" }, "stats": { "n_lines": 1032, "n_stanzas": 129, 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}, { "ordinal": "CXX", "title": null, "stanza_range": [ 125, 126 ] }, { "ordinal": "CXXI", "title": null, "stanza_range": [ 126, 127 ] }, { "ordinal": "CXXII", "title": null, "stanza_range": [ 127, 128 ] }, { "ordinal": "CXXIII", "title": null, "stanza_range": [ 128, 129 ] } ], "stanzas": [ [ { "text": "The antique Persians taught three useful things,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To draw the bow, to ride, and speak the truth,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This was the mode of Cyrus, best of kings⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A mode adopted since by modern youth.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Bows have they, generally with two strings;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Horses they ride without remorse or ruth;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At speaking truth perhaps they are less clever,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But draw the long bow better now than ever.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The cause of this effect, or this defect⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“For this effect defective comes by cause,”⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Is what I have not leisure to inspect;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But this I must say in my own applause,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of all the Muses that I recollect,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whate’er may be her follies or her flaws", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In some things, mine’s beyond all contradiction", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The most sincere that ever dealt in fiction.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And as she treats all things, and ne’er retreats", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From anything, this Epic will contain", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A wilderness of the most rare conceits,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which you might elsewhere hope to find in vain.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "’Tis true there be some bitters with the sweets,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet mixed so slightly, that you can’t complain,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But wonder they so few are, since my tale is", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“De rebus cunctis et quibusdam aliis.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But of all truths which she has told, the most", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "True is that which she is about to tell.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I said it was a story of a ghost⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What then? I only know it so befell.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Have you explored the limits of the coast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where all the dwellers of the earth must dwell?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "’Tis time to strike such puny doubters dumb as", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sceptics who would not believe Columbus.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Some people would impose now with authority,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Turpin’s or Monmouth Geoffry’s Chronicle;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Men whose historical superiority", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is always greatest at a miracle.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Saint Augustine has the great priority,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who bids all men believe the impossible,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Because ’tis so. Who nibble, scribble, quibble, he", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Quiets at once with “quia impossibile.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And therefore, mortals, cavil not at all;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Believe:⁠—if ’tis improbable, you must,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And if it is impossible, you shall:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "’Tis always best to take things upon trust.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I do not speak profanely to recall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Those holier Mysteries which the wise and just", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Receive as Gospel, and which grow more rooted,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As all truths must, the more they are disputed:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "I merely mean to say what Johnson said,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That in the course of some six thousand years,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All nations have believed that from the dead", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A visitant at intervals appears:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And what is strangest upon this strange head,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is, that whatever bar the reason rears", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "’Gainst such belief, there’s something stronger still", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In its behalf⁠—let those deny who will.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The dinner and the soirée too were done,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The supper too discussed, the dames admired,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The banqueteers had dropped off one by one⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The song was silent, and the dance expired:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The last thin petticoats were vanished, gone", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like fleecy clouds into the sky retired,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And nothing brighter gleamed through the saloon", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than dying tapers⁠—and the peeping moon.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The evaporation of a joyous day", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is like the last glass of champagne, without", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The foam which made its virgin bumper gay;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or like a system coupled with a doubt;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or like a soda bottle when its spray", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Has sparkled and let half its spirit out;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or like a billow left by storms behind,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Without the animation of the wind;", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Or like an opiate, which brings troubled rest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or none; or like⁠—like nothing that I know", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Except itself;⁠—such is the human breast;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A thing, of which similitudes can show", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No real likeness⁠—like the old Tyrian vest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Dyed purple, none at present can tell how,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If from a shell-fish or from cochineal.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So perish every Tyrant’s robe piece-meal!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But next to dressing for a rout or ball,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Undressing is a woe; our robe de chambre", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "May sit like that of Nessus, and recall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thoughts quite as yellow, but less clear than amber.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Titus exclaimed, “I’ve lost a day!” Of all", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The nights and days most people can remember,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(I have had of both, some not to be disdained,)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I wish they’d state how many they have gained.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And Juan, on retiring for the night,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Felt restless, and perplexed, and compromised:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He thought Aurora Raby’s eyes more bright", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than Adeline (such is advice) advised;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If he had known exactly his own plight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He probably would have philosophised:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A great resource to all, and ne’er denied", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Till wanted; therefore Juan only sighed.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He sighed;⁠—the next resource is the full moon,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where all sighs are deposited; and now", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It happened luckily, the chaste orb shone", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As clear as such a climate will allow;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Juan’s mind was in the proper tone", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To hail her with the apostrophe⁠—“O thou!”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of amatory egotism the Tuism,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which further to explain would be a truism.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Lover, Poet, or Astronomer⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Shepherd, or swain⁠—whoever may behold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Feel some abstraction when they gaze on her;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Great thoughts we catch from thence (besides a cold", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Sometimes, unless my feelings rather err);", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Deep secrets to her rolling light are told;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Ocean’s tides and mortals’ brains she sways,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And also hearts⁠—if there be truth in lays.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Juan felt somewhat pensive, and disposed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For contemplation rather than his pillow:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Gothic chamber, where he was enclosed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Let in the rippling sound of the lake’s billow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With all the mystery by midnight caused:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Below his window waved (of course) willow;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And he stood gazing out on the cascade", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That flashed and after darkened in the shade.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Upon his table or his toilet,⁠—which", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of these is not exactly ascertained⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(I state this, for I am cautious to a pitch", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of nicety, where a fact is to be gained,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A lamp burned high, while he leant from a niche,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where many a Gothic ornament remained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In chiselled stone and painted glass, and all", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That Time has left our fathers of their Hall.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then, as the night was clear though cold, he threw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His chamber door wide open⁠—and went forth", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Into a gallery of a sombre hue,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Long, furnished with old pictures of great worth,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of knights and dames heroic and chaste too,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As doubtless should be people of high birth;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But by dim lights the portraits of the dead", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Have something ghastly, desolate, and dread.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The forms of the grim Knight and pictured Saint", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Look living in the moon; and as you turn", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Backward and forward to the echoes faint", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of your own footsteps⁠—voices from the Urn", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Appear to wake, and shadows wild and quaint", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Start from the frames which fence their aspects stern,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As if to ask how you can dare to keep", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A vigil there, where all but Death should sleep.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And the pale smile of Beauties in the grave,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The charms of other days, in starlight gleams,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Glimmer on high; their buried locks still wave", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Along the canvas; their eyes glance like dreams", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On ours, or spars within some dusky cave,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But Death is imaged in their shadowy beams.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A picture is the past; even ere its frame", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Be gilt, who sate hath ceased to be the same.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "As Juan mused on Mutability,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or on his Mistress⁠—terms synonymous⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No sound except the echo of his sigh", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or step ran sadly through that antique house;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When suddenly he heard, or thought so, nigh,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A supernatural agent⁠—or a mouse,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whose little nibbling rustle will embarrass", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Most people as it plays along the arras.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "It was no mouse⁠—but lo! a monk, arrayed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In cowl and beads, and dusky garb, appeared,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now in the moonlight, and now lapsed in shade,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With steps that trod as heavy, yet unheard;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His garments only a slight murmur made;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He moved as shadowy as the Sisters weird,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But slowly; and as he passed Juan by,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Glanced, without pausing, on him a bright eye.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Juan was petrified; he had heard a hint", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of such a Spirit in these halls of old,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But thought, like most men, that there was nothing in’t", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Beyond the rumour which such spots unfold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Coined from surviving Superstition’s mint,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which passes ghosts in currency like gold,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But rarely seen, like gold compared with paper.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And did he see this? or was it a vapour?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Once, twice, thrice passed, repassed⁠—the thing of air,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or earth beneath, or Heaven, or t’ other place;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Juan gazed upon it with a stare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet could not speak or move; but, on its base", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As stands a statue, stood: he felt his hair", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Twine like a knot of snakes around his face;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He taxed his tongue for words, which were not granted,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To ask the reverend person what he wanted.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The third time, after a still longer pause,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The shadow passed away⁠—but where? the hall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was long, and thus far there was no great cause", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To think his vanishing unnatural:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Doors there were many, through which, by the laws", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of physics, bodies whether short or tall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Might come or go; but Juan could not state", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through which the Spectre seemed to evaporate.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He stood⁠—how long he knew not, but it seemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "An age⁠—expectant, powerless, with his eyes", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Strained on the spot where first the figure gleamed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then by degrees recalled his energies,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And would have passed the whole off as a dream,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But could not wake; he was, he did surmise,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Waking already, and returned at length", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Back to his chamber, shorn of half his strength.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All there was as he left it: still his taper", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Burned, and not blue, as modest tapers use,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Receiving sprites with sympathetic vapour;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He rubbed his eyes, and they did not refuse", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their office: he took up an old newspaper;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The paper was right easy to peruse;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He read an article the King attacking,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And a long eulogy of “Patent Blacking.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "This savoured of this world; but his hand shook:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He shut his door, and after having read", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A paragraph, I think about Horne Tooke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Undressed, and rather slowly went to bed.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There, couched all snugly on his pillow’s nook,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With what he had seen his fantasy he fed;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And though it was no opiate, slumber crept", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon him by degrees, and so he slept.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He woke betimes; and, as may be supposed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pondered upon his visitant or vision,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And whether it ought not to be disclosed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At risk of being quizzed for superstition.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The more he thought, the more his mind was posed:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In the mean time, his valet, whose precision", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was great, because his master brooked no less,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Knocked to inform him it was time to dress.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He dressed; and like young people he was wont", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To take some trouble with his toilet, but", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "This morning rather spent less time upon’t;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Aside his very mirror soon was put;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His curls fell negligently o’er his front,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His clothes were not curbed to their usual cut,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His very neckcloth’s Gordian knot was tied", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Almost an hair’s breadth too much on one side.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And when he walked down into the Saloon,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He sate him pensive o’er a dish of tea,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which he perhaps had not discovered soon,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had it not happened scalding hot to be,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which made him have recourse unto his spoon;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So much distrait he was, that all could see", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That something was the matter⁠—Adeline", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The first⁠—but what she could not well divine.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She looked, and saw him pale, and turned as pale", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Herself; then hastily looked down, and muttered", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Something, but what’s not stated in my tale.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lord Henry said, his muffin was ill buttered;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Duchess of Fitz-Fulke played with her veil,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And looked at Juan hard, but nothing uttered.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Aurora Raby with her large dark eyes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Surveyed him with a kind of calm surprise.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But seeing him all cold and silent still,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And everybody wondering more or less,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Fair Adeline inquired, “If he were ill?”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He started, and said, “Yes⁠—no⁠—rather⁠—yes.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The family physician had great skill,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And being present, now began to express", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His readiness to feel his pulse and tell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The cause, but Juan said, he was “quite well.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Quite well; yes⁠—no.”⁠—These answers were mysterious,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And yet his looks appeared to sanction both,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "However they might savour of delirious;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Something like illness of a sudden growth", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Weighed on his spirit, though by no means serious:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But for the rest, as he himself seemed both", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To state the case, it might be ta’en for granted", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It was not the physician that he wanted.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Lord Henry, who had now discussed his chocolate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Also the muffin whereof he complained,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Said, Juan had not got his usual look elate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At which he marvelled, since it had not rained;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then asked her Grace what news were of the Duke of late?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her Grace replied, his Grace was rather pained", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With some slight, light, hereditary twinges", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of gout, which rusts aristocratic hinges.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Then Henry turned to Juan, and addressed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A few words of condolence on his state:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“You look,” quoth he, “as if you had had your rest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Broke in upon by the Black Friar of late.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“What Friar?” said Juan; and he did his best", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To put the question with an air sedate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or careless; but the effort was not valid", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To hinder him from growing still more pallid.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Oh! have you never heard of the Black Friar?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Spirit of these walls?”⁠—“In truth not I.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "“Why Fame⁠—but Fame you know’s sometimes a liar⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Tells an odd story, of which by and by:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Whether with time the Spectre has grown shyer,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or that our Sires had a more gifted eye", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For such sights, though the tale is half believed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Friar of late has not been oft perceived.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“The last time was⁠—”⁠—“I pray,” said Adeline⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Who watched the changes of Don Juan’s brow,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And from its context thought she could divine", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Connections stronger than he chose to avow", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With this same legend)⁠—“if you but design", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To jest, you’ll choose some other theme just now,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Because the present tale has oft been told,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And is not much improved by growing old.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Jest!” quoth Milor; “why, Adeline, you know", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That we ourselves⁠—’twas in the honey moon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Saw⁠—”⁠—“Well, no matter, ’twas so long ago;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, come, I’ll set your story to a tune.”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Graceful as Dian when she draws her bow,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She seized her harp, whose strings were kindled soon", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As touched, and plaintively began to play", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The air of “ ’Twas a Friar of Orders Gray.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“But add the words,” cried Henry, “which you made;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For Adeline is half a poetess,”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Turning round to the rest, he smiling said.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of course the others could not but express", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In courtesy their wish to see displayed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By one three talents, for there were no less⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The voice, the words, the harper’s skill, at once,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Could hardly be united by a dunce.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "After some fascinating hesitation⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The charming of these charmers, who seem bound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "I can’t tell why, to this dissimulation⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fair Adeline, with eyes fixed on the ground", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At first, then kindling into animation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Added her sweet voice to the lyric sound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And sang with much simplicity⁠—a merit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not the less precious, that we seldom hear it.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Beware! beware! of the Black Friar,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who sitteth by Norman stone,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he mutters his prayer in the midnight air,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And his mass of the days that are gone.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When the Lord of the Hill, Amundeville,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Made Norman Church his prey,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And expelled the friars, one friar still", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Would not be driven away.", "indent": 1 } ], [ { "text": "Though he came in his might, with King Henry’s right,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To turn church lands to lay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With sword in hand, and torch to light", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their walls, if they said nay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A monk remained, unchased, unchained,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And he did not seem formed of clay,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he’s seen in the porch, and he’s seen in the church,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though he is not seen by day.", "indent": 1 } ], [ { "text": "And whether for good, or whether for ill,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It is not mine to say;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But still with the house of Amundeville", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He abideth night and day.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By the marriage-bed of their lords, ’tis said,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He flits on the bridal eve;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And ’tis held as faith, to their bed of Death", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He comes⁠—but not to grieve.", "indent": 1 } ], [ { "text": "When an heir is born, he’s heard to mourn,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And when aught is to befall", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That ancient line, in the pale moonshine", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He walks from hall to hall.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His form you may trace, but not his face,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "’Tis shadowed by his cowl;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But his eyes may be seen from the folds between,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And they seem of a parted soul.", "indent": 1 } ], [ { "text": "But beware! beware! of the Black Friar,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He still retains his sway,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For he is yet the Church’s heir,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whoever may be the lay.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Amundeville is Lord by day,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But the monk is Lord by night;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nor wine nor wassail could raise a vassal", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To question that Friar’s right.", "indent": 1 } ], [ { "text": "Say nought to him as he walks the Hall,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And he’ll say nought to you;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He sweeps along in his dusky pall,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As o’er the grass the dew.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Then grammercy! for the Black Friar;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heaven sain him! fair or foul⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And whatsoe’er may be his prayer,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Let ours be for his soul.", "indent": 1 } ], [ { "text": "The lady’s voice ceased, and the thrilling wires", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Died from the touch that kindled them to sound;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And the pause followed, which when song expires", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pervades a moment those who listen round;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then of course the circle much admires,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor less applauds, as in politeness bound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The tones, the feeling, and the execution,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To the performer’s diffident confusion.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Fair Adeline, though in a careless way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As if she rated such accomplishment", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As the mere pastime of an idle day,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pursued an instant for her own content,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Would now and then as ’twere without display,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet with display in fact, at times relent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To such performances with haughty smile,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To show she could, if it were worth her while.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Now this (but we will whisper it aside)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was⁠—pardon the pedantic illustration⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Trampling on Plato’s pride with greater pride,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As did the Cynic on some like occasion;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Deeming the sage would be much mortified,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or thrown into a philosophic passion,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For a spoilt carpet⁠—but the “Attic Bee”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was much consoled by his own repartee.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus Adeline would throw into the shade", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(By doing easily, whene’er she chose,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "What dilettanti do with vast parade)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their sort of half profession; for it grows", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To something like this when too oft displayed;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And that it is so, everybody knows,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who have heard Miss That or This, or Lady T’other,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Show off⁠—to please their company or mother.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Oh! the long evenings of duets and trios!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The admirations and the speculations;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The “Mamma Mia’s!” and the “Amor Mio’s!”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The “Tanti palpiti’s” on such occasions:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The “Lasciami’s,” and quavering “Addio’s,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Amongst our own most musical of nations!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With “Tu mi chamas’s” from Portingale,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To soothe our ears, lest Italy should fail.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "In Babylon’s bravuras⁠—as the Home⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heart-Ballads of Green Erin or Grey Highlands,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That bring Lochaber back to eyes that roam", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "O’er far Atlantic continents or islands,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The calentures of music which o’ercome", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All mountaineers with dreams that they are nigh lands,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No more to be beheld but in such visions⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was Adeline well versed, as compositions.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She also had a twilight tinge of “Blue,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Could write rhymes, and compose more than she wrote,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Made epigrams occasionally too", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon her friends, as everybody ought.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But still from that sublimer azure hue,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So much the present dye, she was remote;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was weak enough to deem Pope a great poet,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And what was worse, was not ashamed to show it.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Aurora⁠—since we are touching upon taste,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which now-a-days is the thermometer", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By whose degrees all characters are classed⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was more Shakespearian, if I do not err.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The worlds beyond this World’s perplexing waste", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had more of her existence, for in her", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There was a depth of feeling to embrace", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thoughts, boundless, deep, but silent too as Space.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Not so her gracious, graceful, graceless Grace,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The full-grown Hebe of Fitz-Fulke, whose mind,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If she had any, was upon her face,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And that was of a fascinating kind.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A little turn for mischief you might trace", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Also thereon⁠—but that’s not much; we find", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Few females without some such gentle leaven,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For fear we should suppose us quite in Heaven.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "I have not heard she was at all poetic,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though once she was seen reading the Bath Guide,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Hayley’s Triumphs, which she deemed pathetic,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Because she said her temper had been tried", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So much, the bard had really been prophetic", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of what she had gone through with⁠—since a bride.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But of all verse, what most ensured her praise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Were sonnets to herself, or bouts rimés.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "’Twere difficult to say what was the object", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Adeline, in bringing this same lay", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To bear on what appeared to her the subject", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Juan’s nervous feelings on that day.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Perhaps she merely had the simple project", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To laugh him out of his supposed dismay;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Perhaps she might wish to confirm him in it,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though why I cannot say⁠—at least this minute.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But so far the immediate effect", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Was to restore him to his self-propriety,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A thing quite necessary to the elect,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who wish to take the tone of their society:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In which you cannot be too circumspect,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whether the mode be persiflage or piety,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But wear the newest mantle of hypocrisy,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "On pain of much displeasing the gynocracy.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And therefore Juan now began to rally", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His spirits, and without more explanation", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To jest upon such themes in many a sally.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her Grace, too, also seized the same occasion,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With various similar remarks to tally,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But wished for a still more detailed narration", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of this same mystic friar’s curious doings,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "About the present family’s deaths and wooings.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Of these few could say more than has been said;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They passed as such things do, for superstition", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With some, while others, who had more in dread", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The theme, half credited the strange tradition;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And much was talked on all sides on that head:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But Juan, when cross-questioned on the vision,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which some supposed (though he had not avowed it)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had stirred him, answered in a way to cloud it.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And then, the mid-day having worn to one,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The company prepared to separate;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Some to their several pastimes, or to none,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some wondering ’twas so early, some so late.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There was a goodly match too, to be run", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Between some greyhounds on my Lord’s estate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And a young race-horse of old pedigree,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Matched for the spring, whom several went to see.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There was a picture-dealer who had brought", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A special Titian, warranted original,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So precious that it was not to be bought,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though Princes the possessor were besieging all⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The King himself had cheapened it, but thought", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The civil list he deigns to accept (obliging all", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His subjects by his gracious acceptation)⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Too scanty, in these times of low taxation.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But as Lord Henry was a connoisseur⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The friend of Artists, if not Arts⁠—the owner,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With motives the most classical and pure,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So that he would have been the very donor,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Rather than seller, had his wants been fewer,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So much he deemed his patronage an honour,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had brought the capo d’opera, not for sale,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But for his judgment⁠—never known to fail.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There was a modern Goth, I mean a Gothic", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Bricklayer of Babel, called an architect,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Brought to survey these grey walls which, though so thick,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Might have from Time acquired some slight defect;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who, after rummaging the Abbey through thick", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And thin, produced a plan whereby to erect", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "New buildings of correctest conformation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And throw down old⁠—which he called restoration.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The cost would be a trifle⁠—an “old song,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Set to some thousands (’tis the usual burden", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of that same tune, when people hum it long)⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The price would speedily repay its worth in", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "An edifice no less sublime than strong,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By which Lord Henry’s good taste would go forth in", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Its glory, through all ages shining sunny,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For Gothic daring shown in English money.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There were two lawyers busy on a mortgage", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lord Henry wished to raise for a new purchase;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Also a lawsuit upon tenures burgage,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And one on tithes, which sure as Discord’s torches,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Kindling Religion till she throws down her gage,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Untying” squires “to fight against the churches;”", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There was a prize ox, a prize pig, and ploughman,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For Henry was a sort of Sabine showman.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There were two poachers caught in a steel trap,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ready for gaol, their place of convalescence;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There was a country girl in a close cap", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And scarlet cloak (I hate the sight to see, since⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Since⁠—since⁠—in youth, I had the sad mishap⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But luckily I have paid few parish fees since):", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That scarlet cloak, alas! unclosed with rigour,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Presents the problem of a double figure.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "A reel within a bottle is a mystery,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "One can’t tell how it e’er got in or out;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Therefore the present piece of natural history", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I leave to those who are fond of solving doubt;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And merely state, though not for the Consistory,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lord Henry was a Justice, and that Scout", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The constable, beneath a warrant’s banner,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had bagged this poacher upon Nature’s manor.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Now Justices of Peace must judge all pieces", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of mischief of all kinds, and keep the game", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And morals of the country from caprices", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of those who have not a licence for the same;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And of all things, excepting tithes and leases,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Perhaps these are most difficult to tame:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Preserving partridges and pretty wenches", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Are puzzles to the most precautious benches.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The present culprit was extremely pale,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pale as if painted so; her cheek being red", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By nature, as in higher dames less hale", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "’Tis white, at least when they just rise from bed.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Perhaps she was ashamed of seeming frail,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Poor soul! for she was country born and bred,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And knew no better in her immorality", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than to wax white⁠—for blushes are for quality.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Her black, bright, downcast, yet espiègle eye,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had gathered a large tear into its corner,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which the poor thing at times essayed to dry,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For she was not a sentimental mourner", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Parading all her sensibility,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor insolent enough to scorn the scorner,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But stood in trembling, patient tribulation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To be called up for her examination.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Of course these groups were scattered here and there,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not nigh the gay saloon of ladies gent.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The lawyers in the study; and in air", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The prize pig, ploughman, poachers: the men sent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From town, viz. architect and dealer, were", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Both busy (as a General in his tent", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Writing despatches) in their several stations,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Exulting in their brilliant lucubrations.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But this poor girl was left in the great hall,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "While Scout, the parish guardian of the frail,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Discussed (he hated beer yclept the “small”)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A mighty mug of moral double ale.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "She waited until Justice could recall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Its kind attentions to their proper pale,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To name a thing in nomenclature rather", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Perplexing for most virgins⁠—a child’s father.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "You see here was enough of occupation", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For the Lord Henry, linked with dogs and horses.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "There was much bustle too, and preparation", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Below stairs on the score of second courses;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Because, as suits their rank and situation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Those who in counties have great land resources", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Have “public days,” when all men may carouse,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though not exactly what’s called “open house.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But once a week or fortnight, uninvited", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Thus we translate a general invitation)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "All country gentlemen, esquired or knighted,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "May drop in without cards, and take their station", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At the full board, and sit alike delighted", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With fashionable wines and conversation;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, as the isthmus of the grand connection,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Talk o’er themselves the past and next election.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Lord Henry was a great electioneerer,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Burrowing for boroughs like a rat or rabbit.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But county contests cost him rather dearer,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Because the neighbouring Scotch Earl of Giftgabbit", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Had English influence, in the self-same sphere here;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His son, the Honourable Dick Dicedrabbit,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was member for the “other interest” (meaning", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The same self-interest, with a different leaning).", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Courteous and cautious therefore in his county,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He was all things to all men, and dispensed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To some civility, to others bounty,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And promises to all⁠—which last commenced", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To gather to a somewhat large amount, he", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not calculating how much they condensed;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But what with keeping some, and breaking others,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His word had the same value as another’s.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "A friend to Freedom and freeholders⁠—yet", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "No less a friend to Government⁠—he held,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That he exactly the just medium hit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Twixt Place and Patriotism⁠—albeit compelled,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Such was his Sovereign’s pleasure, (though unfit,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He added modestly, when rebels railed,)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To hold some sinecures he wished abolished,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But that with them all Law would be demolished.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He was “free to confess”⁠—(whence comes this phrase?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is ’t English? No⁠—’tis only parliamentary)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That Innovation’s spirit now-a-days", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had made more progress than for the last century.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He would not tread a factious path to praise,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though for the public weal disposed to venture high;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As for his place, he could but say this of it,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That the fatigue was greater than the profit.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Heaven, and his friends, knew that a private life", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had ever been his sole and whole ambition;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But could he quit his King in times of strife,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which threatened the whole country with perdition?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "When demagogues would with a butcher’s knife", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Cut through and through (oh! damnable incision!)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Gordian or the Geordi-an knot, whose strings", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Have tied together Commons, Lords, and Kings.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Sooner “come Place into the Civil List", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And champion him to the utmost⁠—” he would keep it,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till duly disappointed or dismissed:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Profit he cared not for, let others reap it;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But should the day come when Place ceased to exist,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The country would have far more cause to weep it:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For how could it go on? Explain who can!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He gloried in the name of Englishman.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He was as independent⁠—aye, much more⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than those who were not paid for independence,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As common soldiers, or a common-shore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Have in their several arts or parts ascendance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "O’er the irregulars in lust or gore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who do not give professional attendance.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Thus on the mob all statesmen are as eager", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To prove their pride, as footmen to a beggar.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "All this (save the last stanza) Henry said,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And thought. I say no more⁠—I’ve said too much;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For all of us have either heard or read⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Off⁠—or upon the hustings⁠—some slight such", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hints from the independent heart or head", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of the official candidate. I’ll touch", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "No more on this⁠—the dinner-bell hath rung,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And grace is said; the grace I should have sung⁠—", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But I’m too late, and therefore must make play.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "’Twas a great banquet, such as Albion old", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was wont to boast⁠—as if a glutton’s tray", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Were something very glorious to behold.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But ’twas a public feast and public day⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Quite full⁠—right dull⁠—guests hot, and dishes cold⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Great plenty, much formality, small cheer⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And everybody out of their own sphere.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The squires familiarly formal, and", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "My Lords and Ladies proudly condescending;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The very servants puzzling how to hand", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their plates⁠—without it might be too much bending", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From their high places by the sideboard’s stand⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet, like their masters, fearful of offending;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For any deviation from the graces", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Might cost both man and master too⁠—their places.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There were some hunters bold, and coursers keen,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose hounds ne’er erred, nor greyhounds deigned to lurch;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Some deadly shots too, Septembrizers, seen", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Earliest to rise, and last to quit the search", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of the poor partridge through his stubble screen.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There were some massy members of the church,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Takers of tithes, and makers of good matches,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And several who sung fewer psalms than catches.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There were some country wags too⁠—and, alas!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some exiles from the Town, who had been driven", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To gaze, instead of pavement, upon grass,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And rise at nine in lieu of long eleven.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And lo! upon that day it came to pass,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I sate next that o’erwhelming son of Heaven,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The very powerful parson, Peter Pith,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The loudest wit I e’er was deafened with.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "I knew him in his livelier London days,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A brilliant diner-out, though but a curate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And not a joke he cut but earned its praise,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Until Preferment, coming at a sure rate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(O Providence! how wondrous are thy ways!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who would suppose thy gifts sometimes obdurate?)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gave him, to lay the Devil who looks o’er Lincoln,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A fat fen vicarage, and nought to think on.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "His jokes were sermons, and his sermons jokes;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But both were thrown away amongst the fens;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For Wit hath no great friend in aguish folks.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "No longer ready ears and short-hand pens", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Imbibed the gay bon-mot, or happy hoax:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The poor priest was reduced to common sense,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or to coarse efforts very loud and long,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To hammer a hoarse laugh from the thick throng.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There is a difference, says the song, “between", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A beggar and a Queen,” or was (of late", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The latter worse used of the two we’ve seen⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But we’ll say nothing of affairs of state);", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A difference “ ’twixt a Bishop and a Dean,”", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A difference between crockery ware and plate,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As between English beef and Spartan broth⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And yet great heroes have been bred by both.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But of all Nature’s discrepancies, none", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon the whole is greater than the difference", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Beheld between the Country and the Town,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of which the latter merits every preference", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "From those who have few resources of their own.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And only think, or act, or feel, with reference", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To some small plan of interest or ambition⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Both which are limited to no condition.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But En avant! The light loves languish o’er", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Long banquets and too many guests, although", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A slight repast makes people love much more,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Bacchus and Ceres being, as we know,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Even from our grammar upwards, friends of yore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With vivifying Venus, who doth owe", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To these the invention of champagne and truffles:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Temperance delights her, but long fasting ruffles.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Dully passed o’er the dinner of the day;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Juan took his place, he knew not where,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Confused, in the confusion, and distrait,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And sitting as if nailed upon his chair:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though knives and forks clanked round as in a fray,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He seemed unconscious of all passing there,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Till some one, with a groan, expressed a wish", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Unheeded twice) to have a fin of fish.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "On which, at the third asking of the banns,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He started; and perceiving smiles around", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Broadening to grins, he coloured more than once,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And hastily⁠—as nothing can confound", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A wise man more than laughter from a dunce⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Inflicted on the dish a deadly wound,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And with such hurry, that, ere he could curb it,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He had paid his neighbour’s prayer with half a turbot.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "This was no bad mistake, as it occurred,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The supplicator being an amateur;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But others, who were left with scarce a third,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Were angry⁠—as they well might, to be sure,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "They wondered how a young man so absurd", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lord Henry at his table should endure;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And this, and his not knowing how much oats", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had fallen last market, cost his host three votes.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "They little knew, or might have sympathized,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That he the night before had seen a ghost,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A prologue which but slightly harmonized", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With the substantial company engrossed", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "By matter, and so much materialised,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That one scarce knew at what to marvel most", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of two things⁠—how (the question rather odd is)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Such bodies could have souls, or souls such bodies!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But what confused him more than smile or stare", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From all the ’squires and ’squiresses around,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Who wondered at the abstraction of his air,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Especially as he had been renowned", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For some vivacity among the fair,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Even in the country circle’s narrow bound⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(For little things upon my Lord’s estate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Were good small talk for others still less great)⁠—", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Was, that he caught Aurora’s eye on his,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And something like a smile upon her cheek.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Now this he really rather took amiss;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In those who rarely smile, their smile bespeaks", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A strong external motive; and in this", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Smile of Aurora’s there was nought to pique,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or Hope, or Love⁠—with any of the wiles", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which some pretend to trace in ladies’ smiles.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "’Twas a mere quiet smile of contemplation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Indicative of some surprise and pity;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And Juan grew carnation with vexation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which was not very wise, and still less witty,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Since he had gained at least her observation,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A most important outwork of the city⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As Juan should have known, had not his senses", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By last night’s Ghost been driven from their defences.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But what was bad, she did not blush in turn,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor seem embarrassed⁠—quite the contrary;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her aspect was as usual, still⁠—not stern⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And she withdrew, but cast not down, her eye,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet grew a little pale⁠—with what? concern?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I know not; but her colour ne’er was high⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though sometimes faintly flushed⁠—and always clear,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As deep seas in a sunny atmosphere.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But Adeline was occupied by fame", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This day; and watching, witching, condescending", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "To the consumers of fish, fowl, and game,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And dignity with courtesy so blending,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "As all must blend whose part it is to aim", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Especially as the sixth year is ending)", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "At their lord’s, son’s, or similar connection’s", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Safe conduct through the rocks of re-elections.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Though this was most expedient on the whole", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And usual⁠—Juan, when he cast a glance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On Adeline while playing her grand role,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which she went through as though it were a dance,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Betraying only now and then her soul", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By a look scarce perceptibly askance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(Of weariness or scorn), began to feel", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some doubt how much of Adeline was real;", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So well she acted all and every part", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By turns⁠—with that vivacious versatility,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which many people take for want of heart.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They err⁠—’tis merely what is called mobility,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A thing of temperament and not of art,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though seeming so, from its supposed facility;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And false⁠—though true; for, surely, they’re sincerest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who are strongly acted on by what is nearest.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "This makes your actors, artists, and romancers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heroes sometimes, though seldom⁠—sages never:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But speakers, bards, diplomatists, and dancers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Little that’s great, but much of what is clever;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Most orators, but very few financiers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though all Exchequer Chancellors endeavour,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of late years, to dispense with Cocker’s rigours,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And grow quite figurative with their figures.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The poets of Arithmetic are they", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who, though they prove not two and two to be", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Five, as they might do in a modest way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Have plainly made it out that four are three,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Judging by what they take, and what they pay:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Sinking Fund’s unfathomable sea,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "That most unliquidating liquid, leaves", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The debt unsunk, yet sinks all it receives.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "While Adeline dispensed her airs and graces,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The fair Fitz-Fulke seemed very much at ease;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Though too well bred to quiz men to their faces,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her laughing blue eyes with a glance could seize", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The ridicules of people in all places⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That honey of your fashionable bees⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And store it up for mischievous enjoyment;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And this at present was her kind employment.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "However, the day closed, as days must close;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The evening also waned⁠—and coffee came.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Each carriage was announced, and ladies rose,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And curtsying off, as curtsies country dame,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Retired: with most unfashionable bows", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their docile Esquires also did the same,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Delighted with their dinner and their Host,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But with the Lady Adeline the most.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Some praised her beauty: others her great grace;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The warmth of her politeness, whose sincerity", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Was obvious in each feature of her face,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose traits were radiant with the rays of verity.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yes; she was truly worthy her high place!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "No one could envy her deserved prosperity.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then her dress⁠—what beautiful simplicity", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Draperied her form with curious felicity!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Meanwhile sweet Adeline deserved their praises,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By an impartial indemnification", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "For all her past exertion and soft phrases,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In a most edifying conversation,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which turned upon their late guests’ miens and faces,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their families, even to the last relation;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Their hideous wives, their horrid selves and dresses,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And truculent distortion of their tresses.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "True, she said little⁠—’twas the rest that broke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forth into universal epigram;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But then ’twas to the purpose what she spoke:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like Addison’s “faint praise,” so wont to damn,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Her own but served to set off every joke,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As music chimes in with a melodrame.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How sweet the task to shield an absent friend!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I ask but this of mine, to⁠—not defend.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "There were but two exceptions to this keen", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Skirmish of wits o’er the departed; one,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Aurora, with her pure and placid mien;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Juan, too, in general behind none", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In gay remark on what he had heard or seen,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sate silent now, his usual spirits gone:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In vain he heard the others rail or rally,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He would not join them in a single sally.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "’Tis true he saw Aurora look as though", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "She approved his silence; she perhaps mistook", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Its motive for that charity we owe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But seldom pay the absent, nor would look", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Farther⁠—it might or it might not be so.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But Juan, sitting silent in his nook,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Observing little in his reverie,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet saw this much, which he was glad to see.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Ghost at least had done him this much good,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In making him as silent as a ghost,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "If in the circumstances which ensued", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He gained esteem where it was worth the most;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And, certainly, Aurora had renewed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In him some feelings he had lately lost,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or hardened; feelings which, perhaps ideal,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Are so divine, that I must deem them real:⁠—", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The love of higher things and better days;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The unbounded hope, and heavenly ignorance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of what is called the World, and the World’s ways;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The moments when we gather from a glance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "More joy than from all future pride or praise,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which kindle manhood, but can ne’er entrance", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Heart in an existence of its own,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of which another’s bosom is the zone.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Who would not sigh Αἴ αἴ τὰν Κυθέρειαν", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That hath a memory, or that had a heart?", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Alas! her star must fade like that of Dian:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ray fades on ray, as years on years depart.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Anacreon only had the soul to tie an", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unwithering myrtle round the unblunted dart", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of Eros: but though thou hast played us many tricks,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Still we respect thee, “Alma Venus Genetrix!”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And full of sentiments, sublime as billows", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heaving between this World and Worlds beyond,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Don Juan, when the midnight hour of pillows", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Arrived, retired to his; but to despond", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Rather than rest. Instead of poppies, willows", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Waved o’er his couch; he meditated, fond", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Of those sweet bitter thoughts which banish sleep,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And make the worldling sneer, the youngling weep.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The night was as before: he was undrest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Saving his night-gown, which is an undress;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Completely sans culotte, and without vest;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In short, he hardly could be clothed with less:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But apprehensive of his spectral guest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He sate with feelings awkward to express", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "(By those who have not had such visitations),", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Expectant of the Ghost’s fresh operations.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And not in vain he listened;⁠—Hush! what’s that?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I see⁠—I see⁠—Ah, no!⁠—’tis not⁠—yet ’tis⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Ye powers! it is the⁠—the⁠—the⁠—Pooh! the cat!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Devil may take that stealthy pace of his!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So like a spiritual pit-a-pat,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or tiptoe of an amatory Miss,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gliding the first time to a rendezvous,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And dreading the chaste echoes of her shoe.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Again⁠—what is ’t? The wind? No, no⁠—this time", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It is the sable Friar as before,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "With awful footsteps regular as rhyme,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or (as rhymes may be in these days) much more.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Again through shadows of the night sublime,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When deep sleep fell on men, and the World wore", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The starry darkness round her like a girdle", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Spangled with gems⁠—the Monk made his blood curdle.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "A noise like to wet fingers drawn on glass,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which sets the teeth on edge; and a slight clatter,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Like showers which on the midnight gusts will pass,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sounding like very supernatural water,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Came over Juan’s ear, which throbbed, alas!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For Immaterialism’s a serious matter;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "So that even those whose faith is the most great", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In Souls immortal, shun them tête-à-tête.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Were his eyes open?⁠—Yes! and his mouth too.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Surprise has this effect⁠—to make one dumb,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet leave the gate which Eloquence slips through", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As wide as if a long speech were to come.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Nigh and more nigh the awful echoes drew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Tremendous to a mortal tympanum:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His eyes were open, and (as was before", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Stated) his mouth. What opened next?⁠—the door.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "It opened with a most infernal creak,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Like that of Hell. “Lasciate ogni speranza,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Voi, ch’ entrate!” The hinge seemed to speak,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Dreadful as Dante’s rima, or this stanza;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Or⁠—but all words upon such themes are weak:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A single shade’s sufficient to entrance a", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hero⁠—for what is Substance to a Spirit?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or how is ’t Matter trembles to come near it?", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The door flew wide, not swiftly⁠—but, as fly", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sea-gulls, with a steady, sober flight⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And then swung back; nor close⁠—but stood awry,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Half letting in long shadows on the light,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Which still in Juan’s candlesticks burned high,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For he had two, both tolerably bright,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And in the doorway, darkening darkness, stood", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sable Friar in his solemn hood.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Don Juan shook, as erst he had been shaken", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The night before; but being sick of shaking,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He first inclined to think he had been mistaken;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And then to be ashamed of such mistaking;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "His own internal ghost began to awaken", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Within him, and to quell his corporal quaking⁠—", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Hinting that Soul and Body on the whole", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Were odds against a disembodied Soul.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And then his dread grew wrath, and his wrath fierce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And he arose, advanced⁠—the Shade retreated;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "But Juan, eager now the truth to pierce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Followed, his veins no longer cold, but heated,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Resolved to thrust the mystery carte and tierce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At whatsoever risk of being defeated:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "The Ghost stopped, menaced, then retired, until", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He reached the ancient wall, then stood stone still.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Juan put forth one arm⁠—Eternal powers!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "It touched no soul, nor body, but the wall,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "On which the moonbeams fell in silvery showers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Chequered with all the tracery of the Hall;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He shuddered, as no doubt the bravest cowers", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When he can’t tell what ’tis that doth appal.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "How odd, a single hobgoblin’s nonentity", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Should cause more fear than a whole host’s identity!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But still the Shade remained: the blue eyes glared,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And rather variably for stony death;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Yet one thing rather good the grave had spared,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Ghost had a remarkably sweet breath:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A straggling curl showed he had been fair-haired;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A red lip, with two rows of pearls beneath,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Gleamed forth, as through the casement’s ivy shroud", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Moon peeped, just escaped from a grey cloud.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "And Juan, puzzled, but still curious, thrust", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His other arm forth⁠—Wonder upon wonder!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "It pressed upon a hard but glowing bust,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which beat as if there was a warm heart under.", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "He found, as people on most trials must,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That he had made at first a silly blunder,", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "And that in his confusion he had caught", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Only the wall, instead of what he sought.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Ghost, if Ghost it were, seemed a sweet soul", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As ever lurked beneath a holy hood:", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "A dimpled chin, a neck of ivory, stole", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forth into something much like flesh and blood;", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "Back fell the sable frock and dreary cowl,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And they revealed⁠—alas! that e’er they should!", "indent": 1 }, { "text": "In full, voluptuous, but not o’ergrown bulk,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The phantom of her frolic Grace⁠—Fitz-Fulke!", "indent": 0 } ] ] }