8.
Then quit her, my friend!
Your bosom defend, Ere quite with her snares you're beset: Lest your deep-wounded heart, When incens'd by the smart, Should lead you to _curse_ the _coquette_.
October 27, 1806. [vi]
[Footnote 1: The letters "C. B. F. J. B. M." are added, in a lady's hand, in the annotated copy of 'P. on V. Occasions', p. 14 (British Museum).]
[Footnote i: _But believe me_. [4to]]
[Footnote ii: _But a partial_. [4to]]
[Footnote iii: _Nor seem_. [4to. 'P. on V. Occasions'.]]
[Footnote iv: _But if from false pride._ [4to]]
[Footnote v: _But form this design._ [4to]]
[Footnote vi: BYRON, October 27, 1806. [4to]
GRANTA. A MEDLEY.
[Greek: Argureais logchaisi machou kai panta krataese_o.] [1]
(Reply of the Pythian Oracle to Philip of Macedon.)
1.
Oh! could LE SAGE'S [2] demon's gift Be realis'd at my desire, This night my trembling form he'd lift To place it on St. Mary's spire. [i]
2.
Then would, unroof'd, old Granta's halls, Pedantic inmates full display; _Fellows_ who dream on _lawn_ or _stalls_, The price of venal votes to pay. [ii]
3.
Then would I view each rival wight, PETTY and PALMERSTON survey; Who canvass there, with all their might, [iii]
Against the next elective day. [3]
4.
Lo! candidates and voters lie [iv]
All lull'd in sleep, a goodly number!
A race renown'd for piety, Whose conscience won't disturb their slumber.
5.
Lord H---[4] indeed, may not demur; Fellows are sage, reflecting men: They know preferment can occur, But very seldom,--_now_ and _then_.
6.
They know the Chancellor has got Some pretty livings in disposal: Each hopes that _one_ may be his _lot_, And, therefore, smiles on his proposal. [v]
7.
Now from the soporific scene [vi]
I'll turn mine eye, as night grows later, To view, unheeded and unseen, [vii]
The studious sons of Alma Mater.
8.
There, in apartments small and damp, The candidate for college prizes, Sits poring by the midnight lamp; Goes late to bed, yet early rises. [viii]
9.
He surely well deserves to gain them, With all the honours of his college, [ix]
Who, striving hardly to obtain them, Thus seeks unprofitable knowledge:
10.
Who sacrifices hours of rest, To scan precisely metres Attic; Or agitates his anxious breast, [x]
In solving problems mathematic:
11.