And parch to yellow in the smoky court,

Where a solitary sunbeam might have strayed,

And all the gloomy atmosphere is fraught

With all that's dank and filthy of the human sort.

XXXVII.

In towns of more than ordinary size

Retreats suburban please the public eye;

But occupants their villa homes disguise

And strive to imitate the great and high

By striking names and such-like mimicry;

They choose them mainly for a good address,

We see it as we pass the villa by,

And with a smile we mark its rottenness.

This evil's very prevalent you must confess.[14]

[14]

XXXVIII.

Such homes are now designed for outward show,

No matter what their quality may be,

And many would much rather have it so

Preferring to all else the quantity;

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