Classic Poem

L AST night, when hurrying up the hill
The Chairmen at your nod stood still,
Like Statues fixed were they erect,
And doff'd their hats in mute respect —
What now? thought I — what's all this state?
Why must I linger here so late?
Whist and Cassino, I not there,
Now all their Mysteries prepare.
As your fair face approached the glass!
Presto! my angry feelings pass.
After short chat, you promised, smiling,
(Nor thought I once you were beguiling!)
That on next morn you'd pass an hour
With me embosomed in my bower.
A mind so pure, chastised, and nice,
Should ne'er indulge that petty vice
In sordid bosoms often found;
Where those fine feelings ne'er abound
Bestowed on you by Nature's hand,
And Education's wizard wand.
— Thee Education! I adore
Fountain of Morals and of Lore;
Heaven's own hand-maid, 'tis thy throne
That rules the prostrate world alone
Good night, we cry, Adieu — Adieu!
And off again the Chairmen flew.
Up stairs I ran, and there, behold,
Oh! such a scene I could unfold
Of gew-gaw cards, without one Beau,
And Ladies seated in a row,
Composed of married Belles and single
Whose tongues and purses join'd in jingle!
" Five Points I pay, you owe me Seven, "
" There's one for you, which makes us even. "
" We'll cut again. " " 'Tis all the same
" Whoe'er cuts me her Luck will blame! "
But why the Order pass'd to close
The doors that night against the Beaus?
All fine-spun snares were thrown away,
The Bonnets, Caps, and Draperies gay;
The richest Work, the lengthen'd train,
Were plann'd, and shaped, and worn, in vain!
No matter! we'd what pleased us more,
Rich Orangeade in plenteous store,
Which Juno midst her Stars might drink,
And richer than her Nectar think.
Had C IRCE owned the precious cup,
Wise I THACUS had drunk it up,
Nor fear'd to be the Swineherds' prey,
Nor turned his trembling lip away!
Next morn to gardening I went,
With man and maids; Morn's oft thus spent.
Towards me thinking you might roam
And start at finding none at home,
I said — Oh no! I will not shock her,
I'll place a Ticket 'neath the knocker,
To say — " Pray ope the door and enter; "
Message more plain I could not venture.
Of Ills unconscious me awaiting
E'en from the trap that I'd been baiting!
I, eager, to the Garden fly,
Enjoying the benignant Sky,
Which gave my Spirits lofty flight,
And made our labours seem so light!
Now, all my succours pleased I lend
To teach the stranger walk to bend,
The Gard'ner's labour I confine
To form its course in curving line,
Where Pinks Carnation's glories share
And shake their fragrance on the air,
Now praise his skill, and now decry —
When, sudden on my wondering eye
Rush half the Town within my wicket,
Attracted by my dubious Ticket!
Labour's suspended, Work is o'er,
And oh! what mischiefs I deplore!
Some over hills of gravel stumble,
Others amidst the fresh mold tumble.
Here they smile, and there they shriek,
This one looks grave, that aids some freak,
Crash go the Trees, Acacias fall,
Young Mountain-ashes, Syc'mores, all!
Moss-rose shrubs, Lychnis, Jess'mines mix —
I wish'd th' intruders on the Styx,
Yet laugh, and curtsey, and declare
They never were so welcome there!
But You! oh, false one! never came!
But Luck, to shelter you from blame,
Had placed your Mother in the Van —
'Twas well for you, Miss Mary Anne!
Your Mother's soothing form I glanced,
All anger fled as She advanced!
Her voice of Harmony to hear
I'd close my eyes and blind appear,
No! harmony is in her face,
Where glides, midst dimples, matron grace.
It is that air, that voice, those smiles,
That lured back health, by sweetest wiles!
To him who, dearer than his life,
Owns her, with joy, his matchless wife.
Still may that dulcet voice, those smiles,
Secure him health by sweetest wiles!
Her Form be o'er him still inclined,
Conveying Comfort to his mind!
Now, that these sheets of flirt so full
May not ALL trifling seem and dull,
A Golden Rule shall close the last,
Anne! let your Memory grasp it fast —
Your Word, once given's a hallowed pact,
Dare not forget it, or retract;
It is a Bond in Virtue's mart,
That pledges Sentiment and Heart!