Delusion, Or, the Triumph of Virtue; A Poem in Four Cantos (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1852. Excerpt: ... I stripp'd and bathed me in the limpid stream; My strength return'd, my spirits, too, felt lighter; When dressed, and glowing with the sun's warm beam, I thought Apollo's self could scarce look brighter. But how should I beguile the tedious time? I'd write, I thought; but neither prose nor rhyme Would come at my command Dreading, yet longing for the approaching night I wish'd the day's dull hours would faster fly; Ere I began to hate the garish light Pale Lucifer had scarcely left the sky. The balmy morn invited me to rove; I could not sleep, my fancy was so busy; I sought the deep recesses of a grove;. The shade was pleasant, for my brain felt dizzy. As I saunter'd along, scarcely caring or knowing What next I should do, Bacchus call'd me by name; " Hallo, you Sir Poet, why, where are you going? Would you pass an old friend without speaking?--For shame --When I held out my hand, he said, " Where do you dine?" Not knowing exactly, I merely replied, " In Castri, I thought; but I could not decide: " The wherefore, it needs not a seer to divine. " You shall not stir a step," he exclaim'd, with an oath; " I've a bird on the spit; 'tis sufficient for both. The divans are dirty; and as for the wine, 'Tis not fit to be drunk--I've an excellent tap--Talk of nectar--catch Jove getting any of this--'Tis the vintage of ninety--the devil a rap Has he paid for the last, and that wasn't amiss. After dinner, I dare say, some friends will drop in; If not, I'll invite some; there always are plenty Who for long invitations care never a pin: In five minutes, I'll wager my crown, I'd get twenty. Come, for once we'll be merry, so off with the glums; 'Tis better than wand'ring here twiddling your thumbs."--I replied, " I have made an engagement at ten; Maisje suis votre tres hu...