XL + 

But not at present, though sincerely + 

I on my chosen hero dote; + 

Though I’ll return to him right early, + 

Just at this moment I cannot. + 

Years have inclined me to stern prose, + 

Years to light rhyme themselves oppose, + 

And now, I mournfully confess, + 

In rhyming I show laziness. + 

As once, to fill the rapid page + 

My pen no longer finds delight, + 

Other and colder thoughts affright, + 

Sterner solicitudes engage, + 

In worldly din or solitude + 

Upon my visions such intrude. + 