Classic Poem

Spoken by Mrs. O LDFIELD .

Well , — 'twas a narrow 'Scape my Lover made,
That Cup and Message — I was sore afraid —
Was that a Present for a new-made Widow ,
All in her dismal Dumps, like doleful Dido?
When one peep'd in — and hop'd for something good,
There was — — Oh! Gad! a nasty Heart and Blood ,
If the old Man had shew'd himself a Father,
His Bowl should have inclos'd a Cordial rather,
Something to chear me up amidst my Trance,
L'Eau de Barbade — — or comfortable Nants !
He thought he paid it off with being smart,
And to be witty, cry'd, he'd send the Heart.
I could have told his Gravity, moreover,
Were I our Sex's Secrets to discover,
'Tis what we never look for in a Lover .
Let but the Bridegroom prudently provide
All other Matters fitting for a Bride ,
So he make good the Jewels and the Jointure ,
To miss the Heart , does seldom disappoint her.
Faith, for the Fashion Hearts of late are made in,
They are the vilest Baubles we can trade in.
Where are the tough brave B RITONS to be found,
With Hearts of Oak , so much of old renown'd?
How many worthy Gentlemen of late
Swore to be true to Mother-Church and State ;
When their false Hearts were secretly maintaining
Yon trim King P EPIN , at Avignon reigning?
Shame on the canting Crew of Soul-Insurers ,
That Tyburn-Tribe of Speech-making Non-jurors ;
Who in new fangled Terms , old Trutbs explaining,
Teach honest Englishmen , damn'd Double-Meaning .
Oh! would you lost Integrity restore
And boast that Faith your plain Fore-Fathers bore;
What surer Pattern can you hope to find,
Than that dear P LEDGE you M ONARCH left behind!
See how his Looks his honest Heart , explain,
And speak the Blessings of his future Reign !
In his each Feature, Truth, and Candor trace,
And read Plain-Dealing written in his Face .