Classic Poem

How contented on the plain
Is the happy shepherd swain!
His peaceful breast
Is quite at rest,
No cares perplex his brain.
How much unlike the courtly rake,
Who dates his night from morning's break.
Tho' e'er so much his head does ache
No rest, no quietness can he take
While Sweep, Sweep, Sweep! Old lead or old brass!
Take money for your old flint glass!
Knives to grind! Knives, scissors, penknives to grind!
Old cloaks, suits or coats! Any work for the cooper!
Come buy my card matches, come buy them of me,
For they be the best matches as ever you see.
Dust Ho! Any milk! Sweep, Sweep!
Disturbs his sleep, and keeps him half awake.

How contented on the grass
Sits the happy country lass,
While all the day
Her lambkins play;
How sweet the moments pass!
How much unlike the courtly dame,
Just come from masquerade or game,
That e'er so much her head does ache,
No rest, no quiet can she take,
While Sweep, Sweep, Sweep! Old lead or old brass!
Take money for your old flint glass!
Knives to grind! Knives, scissors, penknives to grind!
Old cloaks, suits or coats! Any work for the cooper!
Come buy my card matches, come buy them of me,
For they be the best matches as ever you see.
Dust Ho! Any milk! Sweep, Sweep!
Disturbs her sleep, and keeps her half awake.