The Rambler

“The works of fiction, with which the present generation seems more particularly delighted, are such as exhibit life in its true state, diversified only by accidents that daily happen in the world, and influenced by passions and qualities which are really to be found in conversing with mankind.” – Samuel Johnson (1709-1784).

A hermit, a wood,
A battle, a shipwreck, 
Satyrs and dryads and 
Lily and Rose. 
 
Select thy objects, 
Cull from the mass 
Of the rabble, the trash 
Of the side of the road. 
 

You’ve got to  
know when you’ve told ‘em 
know when you’ve shown ‘em 
The hazards of their living in a 
Snare of sage advice. 
 
To murder without torment, 
Does not absolve the killing. 
Let virtue expand a mind 
Pressed inside its vice.