 | The poems of Mrs. Emma Catherine Embury |  |
THE PEASANT GIRL'S WISH.
O would I were a lady! Methinks if I were clad
In silken garments every day, I never could be sad;
No peasant's coif should cover then my soft and glossy curls,
But every tress should find its place 'mid bands of snowy pearls.
In silken garments every day, I never could be sad;
No peasant's coif should cover then my soft and glossy curls,
But every tress should find its place 'mid bands of snowy pearls.
O would I were a lady! I would not sit within
Yon cottage porch the livelong day so wearily to spin;
A stately coach should bear me with my greyhound at my feet,
And with a proud but winning smile the gentles I would greet.
Yon cottage porch the livelong day so wearily to spin;
A stately coach should bear me with my greyhound at my feet,
And with a proud but winning smile the gentles I would greet.
O would I were a lady, to sit beside the board,
Where costly dainties deck the feast, and the rich wine is poured!
How would I queen it o'er the guests! while youths of high degree,
If I but kissed the golden cup, would pledge me on their knee.
Where costly dainties deck the feast, and the rich wine is poured!
337
If I but kissed the golden cup, would pledge me on their knee.
O would I were a lady! to lead the courtly dance,
While many a gallant gentleman was watching for my glance!
I'd smile on crowds of lovers, and each should play his part,
Till one by noble deeds had found his way into my heart.
While many a gallant gentleman was watching for my glance!
I'd smile on crowds of lovers, and each should play his part,
Till one by noble deeds had found his way into my heart.
O would I were a lady! They tell me I am fair,
With merry eye, and sunny brow, and braids of glossy hair;
But O! how much more beautiful is beauty when bedight
With silken robe and sparkling gem, like a stately lady bright!
With merry eye, and sunny brow, and braids of glossy hair;
But O! how much more beautiful is beauty when bedight
With silken robe and sparkling gem, like a stately lady bright!
| The poems of Mrs. Emma Catherine Embury | |