Classic Poem

Melinda, with a certain air,
Which none to Venus cou'd compare,
Whose sallow cheek (tho' pass'd her prime)
Sickness had deeper ting'd than time,
One chearful morn, when sunshine glow'd
Demurely took the city road —
Beneath a crabbed look of care
She had, they say, some virtues rare
As jewels in a shagreen case
Sometimes secluded, have a place;
A sort of glimm'ring joy she felt
(As sunbeams cause the ice to melt)
For fancy form'd a rich repast
To see a nephew's face at last!
Ne'er from a child had she beheld him,
And now she heard no youth excell'd him: —
If gen'rous, modest, good, and fair
She thought to chuse him for her heir!
Sweet hope 'tis useless to display
Engag'd M ELINDA all the way,
And heedless of the crowd she went
As if no mischief cou'd be meant.
Alas! in one disast rous street,
A quizzing party must she meet. —
A sprightly youth who join'd the party
Stifled a laugh extremely hearty,
Then slily on a slip of paper
(In hopes the trick might thus escape her)
He wrote, " believe me I am kind, "
And pinn'd it on her cloak behind.
" Forgive me ma am, he archly cried,
" I think you rather want a guide!
" Such youth! such beauty so forsaken!
" The world I vow must be mistaken;
" But when your colour next is chose,
" Instead of saffron, take the rose " —
Then, with a laugh of triumph gay
He left the matron on her way.
Surpriz'd she finds the gazing crowd
Most strange, impertinent and loud —
And some pursued, and some wou'd hoot,
And said she was not worth pursuit;
Unconscious of the curious joke,
Which shone conspicuous on her cloak
All pale, affrighted, and aghast,
M ELINDA reach'd her friends at last!
Surely, some shelter wou'd she find
With those whoever seem'd so kind!
But what her wonder can declare
To see young satan seated there?
How cou'd he dare invade a scene
So calm so social and serene?
" This is your nephew! — ma'am in truth,
" You'll own he is a charming youth!
" No awkward boy, no rustic now,
" There's sense, and fashion in his bow!
" But sure! he's pale! " — for conscience flew
With all her colours, black and blue;
His hapless joke the culprit smote
And seiz'd him gasping by the throat.
What rich effrontery cou'd he find
To soothe his Aunt's offended mind?
Away, the guilty hero flew
And lost — they say a fortune too;
Was ever joke obtain'd so dear?
To lose a thousand pounds a year?
At quizzing now he fiercely swore
And vow'd he'd never praise it more.