Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
MY OPERA BOX!
I
My opera-box, my opera box!You must engage one, Mr. Coxe.
What led the daughter of an Earl
To link herself to such a churl?
The Duke, my uncle, always said
Your father had made mints in trade;
And that, I thought, ensured your wife
The necessary things of life,—
And one among them, Mr. Coxe,
I always count my opera-box.
II
My opera-box, my opera-box!'Tis said sweet music softens rocks:
But that to me is not the charm,
It is to show my well turn'd arm,
As in the front I smiling sit,
The admiration of the pit.
I nod—I smile—I kiss my hand,—
My voice far louder than the band;—
Admitting every beau that knocks
At thy closed door, my opera-box!
199
III
My opera box, my opera box!My sense of right and wrong it shocks,
To think that one of birth so low,
When I intreat, should answer “No!”
Would none but “Lady Betty” do?
“Mistress John Coxe” might serve for you!
But 'twas your proudest hope to stride
With “Lady Betty” at your side;
And mine to ope your coffer's locks,
And with strong-box buy opera-box.
IV
My opera-box, my opera-box!Don't talk to me about the stocks,
And rents reduced, and in arrear,
And money scarce, and all things dear!
I'll have my way; her Grace (my aunt)
Declares I'm not extravagant;
And says we nobles condescend,
When thus plebeian coin we spend;—
Then be obedient, Mr. Coxe,
And go engage my opera-box!
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |