Note 244 — No. 263. [Steele. From Tuesday, Dec. 12, to Thursday, Dec. 14, 1710.
Reading edition
Cf. Pope's "Epistle to Miss Blount, on her leaving the Town after the Coronation" (1715):
"She went to plain-work, and to purling brooks, Old-fashioned halls, dull aunts, and croaking rooks: She went from opera, park, assembly, play, To morning walks, and prayers three hours a day; To part her time 'twixt reading and bohea, To muse, and spill her solitary tea; Or o'er cold coffee trifle with the spoon, Count the slow clock, and dine exact at noon; Divert her eyes with pictures in the fire, Hum half a tune, tell stories to the squire; Up to her godly garret after seven, There starve and pray, for that's the way to heaven."