On Seniora Julia

Leaving a Dance, under Pretence of Drowsiness

She, at the soul enlivening, ball, And in the lamp illumined hall But small amusement found; She shunn'd the cards' bewitching play, She shunn'd the noisy and the gay, Nor cared for music's sound.

No nymph discover'd so much spleen, Was so reserved as Julia, seen On that enchanting night: And yet she had her part to say When young Almagro shared the play, Then cards were her delight.

But he retired, amid the dance; He heard, he said, of news from France, And of a serious cast: He wish'd to know beyond all doubt, What Bonaparte was now about, How long his sway would last.

Then, Julia made a good retreat, But left the assembly incomplete; She was with sleep oppress'd.-- Who shall the midnight dance prolong Who lead the minuet, raise the song Where Julia is no guest?

Yet, love declared her judgment right, And whisper'd, when she bade good night And feign'd an aching head, "While some retreat and some advance, Let them enjoy the festive dance, You, Julia, go to bed."

From the edition of 1815.