How we cite our quotes: (Canto.Line)
Quote #4
Coffee, (which makes the Politician wise,
And see thro' all things with his half shut Eyes)
Sent up in Vapours to the Baron's Brain
New Stratagems, the radiant Lock to gain.
Ah cease rash Youth! desist e'er 'tis too late,
Fear the just Gods, and think of Scylla's Fate! (III.117–122)
We're at the party, and it's the moment of truth: everyone's had a bit of coffee and the Baron is about to snag that lock. So now he's totally high on caffeine and can't control himself? So much for drinking your coffee like a man. And in that final line, do I see the speaker likening the Baron to Scylla (a misguided woman if ever there was one)?
Quote #5
(Sir Plume, of Amber Snuff-box justly vain,
And the nice Conduct of a clouded Cane)
With earnest Eyes, and round unthinking Face,
He first the Snuff-box open'd, then the Case,
And thus broke out—"My Lord, why, what the Devil?
"Z—ds! damn the Lock! 'fore Gad, you must be civil!
"Plague on't! 'tis past a Jest—nay prithee, Pox!
"Give her the Hair—he spoke, and rapp'd his Box. (IV.123–130)
The Baron has snipped off the lock, Belinda is in tears, and her friend Clarissa asks Sir Plume to step in and tell the Baron to give it up. Wow, Sir Plume really, really, really likes his snuff box and his cane. He actually doesn't seem to be much of a personality without them.
Quote #6
But this bold Lord, with manly Strength indu'd,
She with one Finger and a Thumb subdu'd,
Just where the Breath of Life his Nostrils drew,
A Charge of Snuff the wily Virgin threw;
The Gnomes direct, to ev'ry Atome just,
The pungent Grains of titillating Dust.
Sudden, with starting Tears each Eye o'erflows,
And the high Dome re-ecchoes to his Nose. (V.79–86)
As Sir Plume's attempt to get the Baron to return the lock fails, all of the lords and ladies jump into a huge fight over it, using any of the weapons at their disposal. Speaking of snuff—did Belinda just beat the Baron by tossing some in his face?