X.

And the Devil thought he had, 'Mid the misery and confusion Of an unjust war, just made A fortune by the gainful trade Of giving soldiers rations bad-- The world is full of strange delusion--

That he had a mansion planned In a square like Grosvenor Square, That he was aping fashion, and That he now came to Westmoreland To see what was romantic there.

And all this, though quite ideal,-- Ready at a breath to vanish,-- Was a state not more unreal Than the peace he could not feel, Or the care he could not banish.

After a little conversation, The Devil told Peter, if he chose, He'd bring him to the world of fashion By giving him a situation In his own service--and new clothes.