A Sequel to Don Juan — page 17: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

8 A SEQUEL TO Vil. If I were only half as great as Xerxes, I’d rule the nation with a righteous hand ; But not on principles like Peel’s. He works his Arguments out on grounds where naught can stand ; His soul is far more grovelling than the Turk’s ;—his Logic resembles houses built on sand ;— But then he was a parvenu himself, And likes to place inferiors on the shelf. VII. a However—as I said—lI’ve not the power To make the slightest emendation in This narrative—nor rob it of a flower— Nor purge it of a particle of sin. Did it for me the dungeons of the Tower, Or a good pension and a title, win, "T were all the same—for forth must go this history, Robed in that truthful garb which hates all mystery. IX. The canvass fritters into shreds—the tone Of music’s mute—the column turns to dust— Sculpture’s sweet lineament a void has grown—. The weapons of the mighty warrior rust— Convulsions overturn the greatest throne— The painting yields to violence or must ;— But to the end of time all tongues prolong, With raptures e’er renewed, the Poet’s song. Comichooks. com