Classic Poem

" Agreed! " with a shout answer'd Susan; and soon
She complied with despot's desire;
For she roll'd out of door, like a lady balloon,
Or a puncheon of brandy on fire.
Bright red was her gown, green and yellow her shawl,
Betassell'd and fring'd to the knee;
And a cloak of flower'd purple she flung over all;
Oh, a regular tulip was she!
Beneath her umbrella-like bonnet, put on
With a town-knowing twitch of much grace,
She seem'd like two fat tapster's-wives, join'd in one,
And netted together with lace.
In front, like a star, her broad quarters between,
Shone her clasp of rais'd silver on steel;
And she holds in one hand, that her wealth may be seen,
Her boa and tippet of seal;
While the other, muff'd richly, and cushion'd from cold,
She waves, like a fan, as she goes,
Both to show her gold watch, round her waist chain'd in gold,
And cool the hot blood in her nose.
And fast through the croft, where the crab blossom'd white,
Scattering snow to the bilberry brake;
Fast by the old stones, with grey lichens and light
Speckled o'er, like the back of a snake;
Fast down the steep hill, through the wild wizard wood,
Fast over the river she hied;
Then, climb'd to the nook, where her cousin's house stood,
And met there — Himself and his Bride!
A chaise at the gate, and a postboy she found;
At their ribands she could not but stare.
When he open'd the door, threw the steps to the ground —
And out came the new-married pair!
For Jem (Shabby Fellow!) had wedded his maid!
Oh, Prophetess, deep was thy guile!
And vulgar he look'd in his breeches of plaid,
When, thus, spake the bride, with a smile:
" Good Susan, we ask not, What dost thou? or why?
Nor are we afraid or ashamed;
For ends may be rul'd by the planets on high,
And no honest woman be blamed. "