CLIV.

His Majesty saluted his fourth spouse

With all the ceremonies of his rank,

Who clear'd her sparkling eyes and smooth'd her brows, As suits a matron who has play'd a prank;

These must seem doubly mindful of their vows,

To save the credit of their breaking bank:

To no men are such cordial greetings given
As those whose wives have made them fit for heaven.

CLV.

His Highness cast around his great black eyes,
And looking, as he always looked, perceived,
Juan amongst the damsels in disguise,

At which he seemed no whit surprised nor grieved,
But just remarked with air sedate and wise,
While still a fluttering sigh Gulleyaz heaved,
"I see you've bought another girl; 'tis pity
That a mere christian should be half so pretty."

CLVI.

This compliment, which drew all eyes upon
The new-bought virgin, made her blush and shake.
Her comrades also thought themselves undone:
Oh! Mahomet! that his Majesty should take
Such notice of a giaour, while scarce to one
Of them his lips imperial ever spake!

There was a general whisper, toss, and wriggle,
But etiquette forbade them all to giggle.

CLVII.

The Turks do well to shut-at least, sometimes--
The women up-because in sad reality,

Their chastity in these unhappy climes
Is not a thing of that astringent quality,

Which in the north prevents precarious crimes,

And makes our snow less pure than our morality; The sun, which yearly melts the polar ice,

Has quite the contrary effect on vice.

CLVIII.

Thus far our chronicle; and now we pause,
Though not for want of matter; but 'tis time,
According to the ancient epic laws,

To slacken sail, and anchor with our rhyme.
Let this fifth canto meet with due applause,

The sixth shall have a touch of the sublime; Meanwhile, as Homer sometimes sleeps, perhaps You'll pardon to my muse a few short naps.

END OF CANTO V.

DON JUAN.

"Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more Cakes and Ale?"-"Yes, by St. Anne; and Ginger shall be hot i' the mouth too!"

CANTO VI.-A

SHAKSPEARE.