Classic Poem

A Ballad

Bring, Phoebus, from Parnassian bowers
A chaplet of poetic flowers,
That far out bloom the May;
Bring verse so smooth, bring thoughts so free,
And all the Muses heraldry
To blazon Jenny Grey .

Observe yon almond's rich perfume
Preventing spring with early bloom
In ruddy tints how gay!
Thus foremost of the blushing fair
With such a blithesome, buxom air
Blooms lovely Jenny Grey .

The merry, chirping, plumy throng
The bushes and the twigs among
That pipe the sylvan lay,
All hush'd at her delightful voice
In silent ecstasy rejoice,
And study Jenny Grey .

Ye wanton, odour-breathing gales,
That sweep along the green robed vales,
And in each rose-bush play —
I know ye all — you're errant cheats,
And steal your more than mortal sweets
From lovely Jenny Grey .

Pomona and that goddess bright,
The florist's and the maid's delight,
In vain their charms display;
The luscious nectarine, juicy peach
In richness, nor in sweetness reach
The lips of Jenny Grey .

To the sweet knot of Graces three,
Th' immortal band of bards agree
A tuneful tax to pay;
There yet remains of matchless worth,
There yet remains a lovelier fourth,
And she is Jenny Grey .