The Poetical Works of the REV. Dr. Edward Young Volume 4; With the Life of the Author (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. 1805 Excerpt: ...What fiend that daughter's destin'd match prevent i Why the whole house in sudden ruin laid? O nothing, but last night--my lady play'd. But wanders not my satire from my theme? Is this, too, owing to the Love of Fame? Tho' now your hearts on lucre are bestow'd 'Twas first a vain devotion to the mode. Nor cease we here, since 'tis a vice so strong The torrent sweeps all womankind along. This may be said, in honour of our times, That none now stand distiuguish'd by their crimes. If sin you must, take nature for your guide; Love has some soft excuse to sooth your pride. Ye fair apostates from love's ancient j-ow'r Can nothing ravish but a golden show'r? Can cards alone your glowing fancy seize? Must Cupid learn to punt ere he can please? When you're enamour'd of a lift or cast, What can the preacher more to make us chaste? Why must strong youths unmarry'd pine away? They find no woman disengag'd--from play. Why pine the marry'd?--O severer fate They find from play no disengag'd--estate. Flavia, at lovers false, untouch'd, and hard, Turns pale and trembles at a cruel card. Nor Arria's Bible can secure her age; Her threescore years are shuffling with her page, While death stands by but till the game is done, To sweep that stake, in justice long his own: Like old cards ting'd with sulphur, she takes fire, Or like snuffs sunk in sockets, blazes higher. Ye Gods with new delights inspire the fair, Or give us sons, and save us from despair. Sons, brothers, fathers, husbands, tradesmen, close In my complaint, and brand your sins in prose: Yet I believe as firmly as my creed, In spite of all our wisdom you'll proceed. Our pride so great, our passion is so strong, Advice to right confirms us in the wrong. I hear you cry, " This fellow's very odd." When...