XI.

But "why then publish?"[708]--There are no rewards Of fame or profit when the World grows weary. I ask in turn,--Why do you play at cards? Why drink? Why read?--To make some hour less dreary. It occupies me to turn back regards On what I've seen or pondered, sad or cheery; And what I write I cast upon the stream, To swim or sink--I have had at least my dream.