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CANTO SECOND

THE PALAIS ROYAL

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GOOD reader! I refer you to Squire Planta,
Or Signior Galignani, if you never

Have visited this far-famed spot, and want a
Correct description-more correct than clever :
The touches should be picturesque that tint a
Scene such as this, and their's are not: however,
In case their works should not have crossed your way,

I'll tell you in three stanzas what they say.

II

It forms an oblong square with a piazza,

Parterres and lime-tree alleys in the centre:

There's not an inch, I'm sure, from Ghent to Gaza,
Where youthful blood so much requires a Mentor :
Among a thousand other things, it has a

Superb jet-d'eau, which strikes you as you enter:
But closely wedged Boutiques and Cafés lend it
An air, I think, much more bizarre then splendid.

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It is a focus where each principle

Of thought and act concentrate to a spot;
Where gold is most omnipotent, and will
Buy love or lace-there's nothing can't be bought;
A world in miniature, where equal skill

Is taught in sin and science-both are taught!
With dancing, fencing, metaphysics, cheating,
And other things which don't abide repeating.

IV

It is the heart of Paris, and impels
Warm poison thro' her wanton arteries;
The honeycomb of vice, whose thousand cells
Pour forth the buzzing multitude one sees :-
Loose trowser'd beaux, and looser-moral'd belles ;
With ancient quizzes underneath the trees
Reading the daily journals, or conversing;

And, here and there, a black-eyed Grissette nursing.

V

Here new-come English ladies flock to stare

At all the wonders with their sleepy faces:

I'm often led to think, I do declare,

The ugliest come, on purpose to disgrace us:
Their clothes toss'd on with pitch-forks, as it were;
And marching more like grenadiers than graces;
Whilst Paris dames, who don't approve their fashion,
Survey them with satirical compassion. (3)

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