The Works of John Hall-Stevenson :: :: University of Virginia Library

Brides, in all countries, have been reckon'd,
For the first night, timid and coolish;
If they continue so the second
They always have been reckon'd foolish:
The reason's obvious and plain—
In many nice and ticklish cases,
There's much to lose, and nought to gain,
By affectation and grimaces.
A Bridegroom, on the second night,
Whipt off the bedcloaths in surprize:
Behold, my dear, said he, a sight,
Enough to make your choler rise.
She turn'd away as red as scarlet,
Whilst he continu'd, Pray behold;

155

Lay hands on that outrageous varlet,
That looks so impudent and bold.
This is the fifteenth time, in vain,
He has been sent to jail and fetter'd;
But there's no prison can contain
A prison-breaker like Jack Shepherd.
The Bride turn'd round, and took her place,
After some studying and thinking—
Said she, recovering her face,
Though modesty still kept her winking:
In vain the vagabond's committed,
And to hard work and labour sent,
If you, his keeper, are outwitted
By his pretending to repent.
You treat him ruggedly and hard,
Whilst any insolence appears,
But you're disarm'd, and off your guard,
The moment that he falls in tears.
Now you must know, that I suspect
A fellow-feeling, in some shape,
Or else you would not, through neglect,
Let him continually escape.

156

I'll lend no hand, unless you'll swear,
That you'll deliver him to me,
And suffer me to keep him there,
Till I consent to set him free.