(Since SHAKESPEARE set the precedent;)

(Since Juliet first declar'd her passion)

To form the place of assignation.

Oh! would some modern muse inspire,

And seat her by a sea-coal fire,

Or had the bard at Christmas written,

And laid the scene of love in Britain;

He surely in commiseration,

Had chang'd the place of declaration.

In Italy I've no objection,

[pg 33]

Warm nights are proper for reflection;

But here, our climate is so rigid,

That love itself, is rather frigid;

Think on our chilly situation,

And curb this rage for imitation.

Then let us meet, as oft we've done,

Beneath the influence of the sun;

Or, if at midnight I must meet you,

Oh! let me in your chamber greet you;

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