“THREE WORDS” TO A LADY
FROM WHOM THE AUTHOR HAD RECEIVED A PURSE OF THREE COLOURS.
I.
Three days you labour'd to unite
Three colours, beautiful and bright;
Three times you raised my hopes, and said
For me the triple web was made;
Three times it seem'd before you gave it,
'Twas three to one I ne'er should have it;
Three doubts, three fears, were quickly past;
Thrice welcome came the purse at last.
II.
Three thanks I give, which can't reveal
One third of what I ought to feel:
Yet wanting some more strong device,
In three short words, “I thank you,” thrice.
I own I'm at (in lines like these)
Sixes and sevens, more than threes;
And you may think their folly such,
Three of them would be three too much;
Yet credit this, my joy shall be
To drink your health in—three times three.
