A Sequel to Don Juan — page 73: what you’re looking at

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

64 A SEQUEL TO CLX XII. But we were talking of that gorgeous sphere Known as the World of Fashion. Our respect In favour of the Past is gone ;—the clear Light of the present age shows the defect, The stains, the glaring errors which appear In ancient institutions. They were decked In hues of grandeur or solemnity Merely to overawe the vulgar eye. CLX XIII. Youth’s sixteen precious years have hitherto Been given to graceful classical pursuits— The study of the ancient genius through The mirror of its languages—the fruits Of which are very pleasant to the view, But useless as a food :—to learn the roots Of plants that yield no profit, now ’tis thought, ~ Is wasting valuable time on naught. CLXXIV. Yes—those unfading garlands, where combined The choicest flowers of ancient poesy, And which festooned around the modern mind, Wreathing their varied colours gracefully, Were fetters, flowery though they were, to bind The intellect which panted to be free ;— And strenuous efforts were required to call That intellect from such a brilliant thrall. COMME OO <S.6OM