University of Virginia Library

To William Nelson Esq., of Charles-City

How great your misfortune, dear Will, I can't well say,
In losing our sweet entertainment at Chelsa,
Where Madam Dunbarton had asked us to meet her
And partake of a frolic, I think called sham Peter.
But there was no sham—for we had in reality
The cream of good cheer, with true hospitality.
But first, like old Homer, methinks I should tell
The names of the party that pleased me so well.
Sweet Madam Dunbarton, our hostess, you know,
Whose roses will ever continue to blow;
Who like a ripe peach in the summer, is sweeter,
Than the blossoms of spring, so much praised in meter.
Next Laura the sprightly, so cheerful and gay,
You would swear she was just in the middle of May:
Like Hebe, by time, she no older appears,
For it adds to her charms, as well as her years.
Aunt Betty comes next, who careless, through life
Has past all her days, without being a wife;
And if all her days she could pass o'er again,
I'm persuaded, through choice, she would careless remain.
Our good friends the Doctor and Madam Barraud,
Were both somewhat late in getting abroad.
Our hearts were rejoiced when we saw her appear.
Though rather too late to partake our good cheer.
But as to the Doctor he ate very hearty,
And to tell you the truth was the life of the party.
Fanny Currie, Miss Dawson, Miss Farley and Fan,
With my Godson I--- C--- that pretty young man,
Messieurs W--- and B---, Adonises Twain,
In the eyes of the lasses who dance on the plain,
With Madame, and myself, though last not the least,
In my love and affection attended the feast.
Three chariots, together, in order proceed,
To these on gay horses our gallants succeed;
Whilst the hearts of the lasses did terribly flutter,
'Twixt thinking of them, and Madame's bread and butter.
Arrived, in the orchard a carpet we found,
That was spread to prevent any damps from the ground,
While the fruit on the trees hung in clusters around.
A table with teacups and saucers was spread,
When presently entered the butter and bread.
The last like a sponge—the butter so nice,
Like a marigold yellow, was covered with ice.
Apoquimini cakes, with a delicate shad,
Cold ham and broiled chicken, the best to be had,
All seasoned with mirth and good humor unfeigned
So keen were our stomachs as well as our wits
That we dwelt a long while on the savory bits;
Then with sherbert and negus the banquet was crowned
Whilst the toast and the sentiment gaily went 'round.
Till perceiving the approach of the heat of the day,
We reluctantly parted, and all drove away,
And made such a rout, as we entered the town
You would almost have thought that the college fell down.