XIII + 

But how? Quite so. Though I dismiss + 

Dark, unavailing reverie, + 

I just hint, in parenthesis, + 

There is no stupid calumny + 

Born of a babbler in a loft + 

And by the world repeated oft, + 

There is no fishmarket retort + 

And no ridiculous report, + 

Which your true friend with a sweet smile + 

Where fashionable circles meet + 

A hundred times will not repeat, + 

Quite inadvertently meanwhile; + 

And yet he in your cause would strive + 

And loves you as⁠—a relative! + 