The Fourth Volume of the Writings Of the Author of the London-Spy Prose and Verse [by Edward Ward] |
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The ingrateful Mistress
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 | The Fourth Volume of the Writings Of the Author of the London-Spy |  |
The ingrateful Mistress
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In a Dialogue between a flourishing Curtizan and her Gallant whom she had ruin'd, pursuant to a Subject given us in a Letter by the Penny-post.
Madam, you know when I was Rich and Great,
And could not your prevailing Charms withstand,
My Self, my Coach, my Servants and Estate,
To make you happy, were at your Command.
Mistress.
I own you have been very kind, 'tis true,
And in return I always have been just,
Surrender'd up my Heart alone to you,
And made my self a whore to ease your Lust.
123
But Madam, pray, consider 'twas my Love
By which you are thus Rich and Happy made;
I therefore hope you'll not ungrateful prove,
But help so good a Friend now he's decay'd.
Mistress.
It is not like a gen'rous Friend to crave
Part of a ruin'd Woman's poor Support,
Nor can I grant a share of what I have
To you, but I my self must suffer for't.
Gallant.
Yes you have Jewels which you seldom wear,
Whose Value I have greatest cause to know,
Those, without dammage, surely you may spare,
To help your Lover now reduc'd so low.
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Once I had Jems of Value I allow,
When Beauty, Youth, and Vertue I possest,
But those you've had long since, and would you now
When I have prov'd so kind, demand the rest.
Gallant.
How can you, Madam, so ingrateful prove,
And without blushing my Request refuse,
When you from Want, may save the Man you love,
By parting with those things you never use.
Mistress.
Consider, Sir, they're Jewels, and as such
I'll always highly prize 'em for your sake,
And must confess I value 'em to much,
Since once you've giv'n 'em, to return 'em back.
125
How can you be so sordid and unkind,
To him that has such Love and Friendship shewn,
For once let Pitty move your stubborn Mind,
To help a Caitiff by your self undone.
Mistress.
How oft have you with Oaths and Vows profest
You lov'd me more than either Gold or Health,
Therefore I'll give what you approv'd on best,
You're welcome to my Arms but not my Wealth.
You lov'd me more than either Gold or Health,
Therefore I'll give what you approv'd on best,
You're welcome to my Arms but not my Wealth.
Gallant.
Then must I starve, or to some Country rove,
Where Slaves and Transports end their wretched days
There blame my Generosity and Love,
And curse the baseness of the Female Race.
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But if you're serious, and resolve to try
Your Fate amongst the refuse of our Jayls,
Pray leave me some remembrance e'er you dye,
Tho but the worthless pairings of your Nails.
Gallant.
Dear Madam you shall have 'em as I live,
Now I have pair'd 'em, pray the Present take,
And since you find I've nothing else to give,
I beg you that you'll keep 'em for my sake
Mistress.
I thank you for the Present you have made,
And pray remember, wheresoe'er you come,
To boast how once you met a sharping Jade,
That left you not your Nails to scratch your Bum.
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I thank you, Madam, for your grateful Jest,
I must confess your Sarcasm is too true,
Curse on the time I hugg'd you in my Breast,
Fortunes a Jilting Bitch and so are you.
Mistress.
Farewel, perhaps I ne'er shall see you more.
I hope the Sea your rampant Lust will cool,
Remember, Sir, you made me first your Whore,
And in return I've made you now my Fool.
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