Such was the way, and the just way, of arguing the point when the application was limited to a great authentic classic of the Antique; nor was the case at all different where Ariosto or any other illustrious Italian classic was concerned. But a new sort of casuistry in this question has arisen in our own times, and by accident chiefly in connection with German literature; but it may well be, Dr. North, that you will be more diverted by a careful scrutiny of my metres after Voss in illustration, than by any further dissertation on my part on a subject that you know so well. Believe me, Always yours admiringly, X. Y. Z. _The Parson's Dinner._ In the month of leafy June, beneath celestial azure Of skies all cloudless, sate the aged Rector of Esthwaite Dining amidst his household; but not the meridian ardour Of sunbeams fierce he felt; him the shady veranda With vine-clad trellis defends: beyond a pendulous awning Of boughs self-wreath'd from limes (whose mighty limbs overarching Spanned the low roof of the house) spreads far effectual umbrage For young and old alike; noontide awfully breathless Settled in deepest silence on the woods and valley of Esthwaite. Yet not the less there would rise, after stillest interval often, 10 Low whispering gales that stole, like sobbing murmur of infant Dreaming in arms maternal, into the heart o' the youngest: Gales that at most could raise a single ringlet of auburn As it pencill'd the noble brow of the youthful Anna Louisa-- Sole child that survived to thee, oh, aged pastor of Esthwaite. Clad in his morning gown, the reverend priest at a table Of sculptur'd stone was seated; and his seat was a massy but easy Settle of oak, which in youth his ancient servitor, Isaac, Footman, sexton, and steward, butler and gardener also, Carved by the winter fire in nights of gloomy November, And through many a long, long night of many a dark December. 21 The good man's heart was glad, and his eyes were suffus'd with a rapture Of perfect love as they settled on her--that pulse of his heart's blood, The one sole prop of his house, the beautiful Anna Louisa. By the side of himself sate his wife, that ancient tamer of housemaids,[12] Yet kind of heart as a dove, and with matron graces adorning Her place as she sate dispensing hospitality boundless To the strangers within her gates; for, lo! two strangers on one side Sate of the long stone table; yet strangers by manner or action One would not suppose them; nor were they, but guests ever honour'd, 30 And dear to each heart in the house of th' ancient Rector of Esthwaite. The elder of them was called Augustus Harry Delancey, And he rode as a cornet of horse in the mighty imperial army. Him had the parents approved (and those were melodious accents, The sweetest he ever had heard) as suitor of Anna Louisa. But from lips more ruby far--far more melodious accents