Eight days had past; the Brothers now could meet With ease, and take the customary seat. “These” said the host--for he perceived where stray’d His brother’s eye, and what he now survey’d-- “These are the costly trifles that we buy, Urged by the strong demands of vanity, The thirst and hunger of a mind diseased, That must with purchased flattery be appeased; But yet, ’tis true, the things that you behold Serve to amuse us as we’re getting old. 10 These pictures, as I heard our artists say, Are genuine all, and I believe they may; They cost the genuine sums, and I should grieve If, being willing, I could not believe. And there is music; when the ladies come, With their keen looks they scrutinize the room To see what pleases, and I must expect To yield them pleasure, or to find neglect: For, as attractions from our person fly, Our purses, Richard, must the want supply; 20 Yet would it vex me, could the triflers know That they can shut out comfort or bestow. “But see this room: here, Richard, you will find Books for all palates, food for every mind; This readers term the ever-new delight, And so it is, if minds have appetite: Mine once was craving; great my joy, indeed, Had I possess’d such food when I could feed; When at the call of every new-born wish I could have keenly relish’d every dish-- 30 Now, Richard, now, I stalk around and look Upon the dress and title of a book, Try half a page, and then can taste no more, But the dull volume to its place restore; Begin a second slowly to peruse, Then cast it by, and look about for news; The news itself grows dull in long debates-- I skip, and see what the conclusion states; And many a speech, with zeal and study made Cold and resisting spirits to persuade, 40 Is lost on mine; alone, we cease to feel What crowds admire, and wonder at their zeal. “But how the day? No fairer will it be? } Walk you? Alas! ’tis requisite for me-- } Nay, let me not prescribe--my friends and guests are free.” } * * * * *