Classic Poem

Long, Roger in vain
Strove Cic'ley to gain,
And that Something he wanted she knew;
Yet still she reply'd,
First make me your Bride,
Or — I wish I may die if I do.

Quoth Roger , Next Fair
I'll deck out your hair
With a Top-knot, green, yellow, or blue.
No Top-knot, pray, bring
Without the Gold-Ring,
Or — I wish I may die if I do.

Together one day,
When making of hay,
Pretty Cis on a haycock he threw:
His hand did intrude;
She cry'd, Don't be rude,
For — I wish I may die if I do.

But Roger still prest
Her lips and her breast,
Until kinder and kinder she grew:
A glance from her eye
He saw give the lye
To — " I wish I may die if I do. "

He knew what it meant,
Took looks for consent;
Then — a Fairing presented to view,
Which Cis so amaz'd,
She sigh'd while she gaz'd —
Oh! I surely shall die — if I do.

What Lovers conceal
No Muse should reveal;
You must fancy then what did ensue:
But she no more cry'd,
First make me your Bride,
Or — I wish I may die if I do.

Ah! Roger ! says Cis ,
A Fairing like this
Cannot fail a young Maid to subdue:
No Knot you need bring;
Ne'er mind the Gold-Ring,
For — I wish I may die if I do.