IMITATION OF THE STYLE OF* * *

By Samuel Johnson

Hermit hoar, in solemn cell

Wearing out life's evening gray,

Strike thy bosom, sage, and tell

What is bliss, and which the way.

Thus I spoke, and speaking sigh'd,

Scarce repress'd the starting tear,

When the hoary sage replied,

‘ Come, my lad, and drink some beer.’