Songs of a Savoyard. William Schwenck Gilbert

homely face and bad complexion

      Have caused all hopes to disappear

      Of ever winning man's affection?

      To such a one, if such there be,

      I swear by heaven's arch above you,

      If you will cast your eyes on me, -

      However plain you be – I'll love you!

      Ballad: The Reward Of Merit

      DR. BELVILLE was regarded as the CRICHTON of his age:

      His tragedies were reckoned much too thoughtful for the stage;

      His poems held a noble rank, although it's very true

      That, being very proper, they were read by very few.

      He was a famous Painter, too, and shone upon the "line,"

      And even MR. RUSKIN came and worshipped at his shrine;

      But, alas, the school he followed was heroically high -

      The kind of Art men rave about, but very seldom buy;

      And everybody said

      "How can he be repaid -

      This very great – this very good – this very gifted man?"

      But nobody could hit upon a practicable plan!