Poem by Christian Milne

To a Lady Who Said It Was Sinful to Read Novels

To love these books, and harmless tea,
Has always been my foible,
Yet will I ne’er forgetful be
To read my Psalms and Bible.

Travels I like, and history too,
Or entertaining fiction;
Novels and plays I’d have a few,
If sense and proper diction.

I love a natural harmless song,
But I cannot sing like Handel;
Deprived of such resource, the tongue
Is sure employed — in scandal.

1. Written on the Morning of the Communion Sabbath
2. When in Dread of My Husband’s Safety at Sea
3. The Sailor’s Adieu
4. To a Very Imprudent Young Woman
5. To a Lady, Who Did Me the Honour to Call at My House

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