Punch: Punch (96.1889)

50

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[February 2, 1889.

THE SPIRIT OF SPECULATION.

“ New lamps for old ! ” was a tempting cry ;
Where Pleasure beckons, her followers fly ;

But, for ardent emulation
For headlong hurry that nought can restrain,
Is there aught like the modish Pursuit of Gain,
Which fires the mixed multitude drawn in the
train

Of the Spirit of Speculation ?

A winsome Spirit, though wild on the wing,
A Siren, and sweet are the songs she will sing
In the ears of all who listen.

How her smiles invite ! How her tresses float
In an aureate trail! How her votaries gloat
On her Danae charms, and delightedly dote
On each golden note
From her argent throat!

How they glow, and gleam, and glisten,
Those eager eyes of the hurrying throng,
Thralls of her witchery, slaves of her song,
Suppliants keen for her kisses!

Follow, follow! The foot that nears
That Golden Witch hath no time for fears.
And Folly follows, nor stops her ears
With the wax of the wise Ulysses.