The English Dance of Death from the designs of Thomas Rowlandson, with metrical illustrations, by the author of "Doctor Syntax" [i.e. William Combe] |
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 | The English Dance of Death |  |
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Of Summer seasons quite nineteen;
And 'twas not often that the Spring
Of life produced a fairer thing.
She had been taught, by rod and rule,
The graces of a Boarding-school:
Was of a country town the boast,
And of each neighb'ring 'Squire the toast.
But Julia had contriv'd to part
With that same Trinket call'd a Heart,
And it was now consign'd to rest
Within a gallant Major's breast;
Who, at the time, was trav'lling far
'Midst scenes of glory and of war.
But Love—when faithful, just and true,
Our worldly interest may subdue:
So, when Sir Peter paid his vows
And ask'd her to become his spouse,
She star'd awhile—then off she scouted;
Let fall a shower of tears—and pouted.
“My Hero is both brave and true,
Whom I love as I ought to do;
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The Ocean to Iberia's shore,
I pledg'd my faith that ne'er shall fail,
Till Death concludes the flatt'ring tale.
—The doting Knight shall not prevail.”—
Thus she exclaim'd, in language bold,
When to her wond'ring Sire she told
The offer of the Man of Gold.
| The English Dance of Death | |