On Conversation (1782) [ Concepts ]
… by his looks to come, But when you knock it never is at home: 'Tis like a parcel sent you by the stage, Some handsome present, as your hopes presage; 'Tis heavy, bulky, and bids fair to prove An absent friend's fidelity and love, But when … their bed, How an emetic or cathartic sped; Nothing is slightly touch'd, much less forgot, Nose, ears and eyes, seem present on the spot. Now the distemper, spite of draught or pill, Victorious seemed, and now the doctor's skill; And … shown, while wrath is justly due. The time is short, and there are souls on earth, Though future pain may serve for present mirth, Acquainted with the woes that fear or shame, By fashion taught, forbade them once to name, And, having …
Conversation | Crime
Anthology