Pen--and Foker was much too coarse to
appreciate those refined sentimental secrets--the lad's friendship for
the Curate redoubled, or rather, he was never tired of having Smirke for
a listener on that one subject. What is a lovee without a confidant? Pen
employed Mr. Smirke, as Corydon does the elm-tree, to cut out his
mistress's name upon. He made him echo with the name of the beautiful
Amaryllis. When men have left off playing the tune, they do not care much
for the pipe: but Pen thought he had a great friendship for Smirke,
because he could sigh out his loves and griefs into his tutor's ears; and
Smirke had his own reasons for always being ready at the lad's call.
Pen's affection gushed out in a multitude of sonnets to the friend of his
heart, as he styled the Curate, which the other received with great
sympathy. He plied Smirke with Latin Sapphics and Alcaics. The love-songs
multiplied under his fluent pen; and Smirke declared and believed that
they were beautiful. On the other hand, Pen expressed a boundless
gratitude to think that Heaven should have sent him such a friend at such
a moment.
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