The English Dance of Death from the designs of Thomas Rowlandson, with metrical illustrations, by the author of "Doctor Syntax" [i.e. William Combe] |
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 | The English Dance of Death |  |
John, though still trembling with affright,
Stole up, and view'd the dismal sight.
Death still indeed possest his chair,
For Tom had plac'd poor Nelly there.
Said John, I ne'er again will stir,
To let in such a Visiter;
—And, if I live,—to-morrow morning,
I'll surely give his Lordship warning.
—In your warm place, good John remain:—
Be where you will, he'll come again;
Whate'er may be your future lot,
Whether in Palace, Hall or Cot.
Whene'er his hand salutes our gate,
No lie will serve to make him wait:
Whene'er he puts us to the trial,
The scare-crow will take no denial;
For, at the time he's pleas'd to come,
We all of us, must be at Home.
Stole up, and view'd the dismal sight.
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For Tom had plac'd poor Nelly there.
Said John, I ne'er again will stir,
To let in such a Visiter;
—And, if I live,—to-morrow morning,
I'll surely give his Lordship warning.
—In your warm place, good John remain:—
Be where you will, he'll come again;
Whate'er may be your future lot,
Whether in Palace, Hall or Cot.
Whene'er his hand salutes our gate,
No lie will serve to make him wait:
Whene'er he puts us to the trial,
The scare-crow will take no denial;
For, at the time he's pleas'd to come,
We all of us, must be at Home.
| The English Dance of Death | |