DON JUAN. CANTO X. I. WHEN Newton saw an apple fall, he found In that slight startle from his contemplation 'Tis said (for I'll not answer above ground For any sage's creed or calculation)—— A mode of proving that the earth turned round In a most natural whirl called "Gravitation;" And this is the sole mortal who could grapple, Since Adam, with a fall, or with an apple. II. Man fell with apples, and with apples rose, If this be true; for we must deem the mode In which Sir Isaac Newton could disclose Through the then unpaved stars the turnpike road, A thing to counterbalance human woes; With all kinds of mechanics, and full soon Steam-engines will conduct him to the Moon. III. And wherefore this exordium ?-Why, just now, In taking up this paltry sheet of paper, My bosom underwent a glorious glow, And my internal Spirit cut a caper: And though so much inferior, as I know, To those who, by the dint of glass and vapour, Discover stars, and sail in the wind's eye, I wish to do as much by Poesy. IV. In the Wind's Eye I have sailed, and sail; but for The stars, I own my telescope is dim; But at the least I have shunned the common shore, And leaving land far out of sight, would skim The Ocean of Eternity: the roar Of breakers has not daunted my slight, trim, But still sea-worthy skiff; and she may float Where ships have foundered, as doth many a boat. V. We left our hero, Juan, in the bloom Of favouritism, but not yet in the blush ; And far be it from my Muses to presume |