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Recreations for Solitary Hours

A Likeness

page 38

A Likeness.

I'm like, 'mid great society's fry,
An old book in a library,
  That's handed down from yore;
Whose boards are sadly tatter'd and torn,
Which lies their uncall'd for, neglected and lorn.
  On which the damp mould gathers hoar.

Per'dventure some novice may stray,
And just pick it up by the way,
  To see what's in't contain'd!
Aside, though unjudged, hell throw't by,
With mein as disgusted condemning he'll cry,
  "It's subject is tasteless and strain'd!"

Anew were it handsomely bound,
And gilt with elegance round,
  The vagrant eye t' impede,
Then hastely he'd snatch, and expose it to view,
To all recommend it as recently new,
  And better was never indeed.

page 39

The book as it is must remain,
Till judges more candid will deign,
  To scan with candour sound
It's many contents,—there the seemingly wise,
Instruction and wisdom may find to surprise,
  Though yet unexplain'd and profound.