midnight
We held our peace , and meekly signified our indisposition to controvert these opinions -- firstly , because we were no match at quotation for the poetical young gentleman ; and secondly , because we felt it would be of little use our entering into any disputation , if we were : being perfectly convinced that the respectable and immoral hero in question is not the first and will not be the last hanged gentleman upon whom false sympathy or diseased curiosity will be plentifully expended . This was a stern mystic flight of the poetical young gentleman . In his milder and softer moments he occasionally lays down his neckcloth , and pens stanzas , which sometimes find their way into a Lady 's Magazine , or the ` Poets ' Corner ' of some country newspaper ; or which , in default of either vent for his genius , adorn the rainbow leaves of a lady 's album . These are generally written upon some such occasions as contemplating the Bank of England by midnight , or beholding Saint Paul 's in a snow-storm ; and when these gloomy objects fail to afford him inspiration , he pours forth his soul in a touching address to a violet , or a plaintive lament that he is no longer a child , but has gradually grown up . The poetical young gentleman is fond of quoting passages from his favourite authors , who are all of the gloomy and desponding school . He has a great deal to say too about the world , and is much given to opining , especially if he has taken anything strong to drink , that there is nothing in it worth living for . He gives you to understand , however , that for the sake of society , he means to bear his part in the tiresome play , manfully resisting the gratification of his own strong desire to make a premature exit ; and consoles himself with the reflection , that immortality has some chosen nook for himself and the other great spirits whom earth has chafed and wearied .