Note 103 — JOHN HAMILTON REYNOLDS.
Reading edition
I cannot resist quoting the following lines, to show how I preserve my system from youth to age. As Simon was, so he is. And one and twenty years have scarcely altered (except by death) that cheerful and cherry-cheeked Old Huntsman. This is the truth of Poetry.
'In the sweet shire of Cardigan, Not far from pleasant Ivor-hall; An old man dwells—a little man— I've heard he once was tall; Of years he has upon his back, No doubt, a burthen weighty; He says he is threescore and ten, But others say he's eighty.'
These lines were written in the summer of 1798, and I bestowed great labour upon them.