A Sequel to Don Juan — page 231: what you’re looking at

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

222) A SEQUEL TO XLVIII. Ah! Ladies Blessington and Canterbury ! Though ye are not received into society By such as Ladies Peel and Londonderry, Ye need not mourn your little impropriety, But simply that ’twas not concealed. I very Much think that those who gain most notoriety Are the best samples of the aristocracy, Because they veil not sin beneath hypocrisy. XULIX. Ah! could some fairy draw the veil aside The mysteries of the boudoir to reveal— Lay bare the crimes that silken curtains hide— And show the vice that palace-walls conceal,— How on her seat of all complacent pride Would many a haughty English beauty reel ; And many a peeress and distinguished dame Sink overwhelmed beneath a weight of shame ! L. Yes—that which is but mere conjecture now w. Would turn to damning certainty,—and where _Innocence seemed to crown the lofty brow, The heart would prove the seat of guilt and care ! Pause ere the English peeress you endow At the expence of Gallia’s daughter fair ; And when you cur! your lip at France in scorn, Think of the names of Tollemache and of Strachan. “ comichbooksrcom