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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NEW FACES. |
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 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
NEW FACES.
I
Oh give me new faces, new faces, new faces!I've seen those around me a fortnight or more;
Some people grow weary of things or of places,
But persons to me are a much greater bore.
I care not for features—I'm sure to discover
Some exquisite trait in the first that you send,
My fondness falls off when the novelty's over—
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
II
My heart is as genial as Italy's summers,Attachments take root, and grow green in a day;
Like bloom on the plum, there's on all the newcomers
A charm, that must sooner or later decay.
169
But now, for some reason I can't comprehend,
She wearies me so, I must cut the connexion;
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
III
To-day, I may utter a tender expression,To one I to-morrow may probably drop;
But friendships should come “hot and hot,” in succession,
Just like mutton-pies at a pastrycook's shop;
The gardener, too, with new crops is provided,
When one crop of marrowfats comes to an end;
And why should my new crop of friends be derided?
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
IV
Mamma would persuade me my friends do not vary,But that I have fickle vagaries forsooth!
Discernment ought not to be called a vagary,
I deem it a virtue precocious in youth.
“Be civil,” she says, “to a common acquaintance;
Rash friendships are sure prematurely to end.”
Oh, cold hearts may credit so frigid a sentence!
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
V
I am not to blame, if I seize the most striking,And very best points about people at first;
I am not to blame, if they outlive my liking,
And leave me at leisure to point out the worst.
I am not to blame, if I'm somewhat less gracious
To some I so fluently used to commend;
To feel that they bore me is really vexatious!
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
VI
When Mrs. A. came here, my joy was uncommon,I never was happy when not by her side;
“Oh! what an agreeable, sweet little woman!
She will be a great acquisition,” I cried.
170
My calling so seldom I fear must offend;
But, dear me, she's not half so nice as I thought her!
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
VII
When Mrs. B. came, I forgot her completely,For we became just like two leaves on one stalk.
She looked and she spoke so uncommonly sweetly,
Unless we met daily, how dull was my walk!
I thought that her manners were simply enchanting,
But now—what false colours can novelty lend!
A slight indescribable something is wanting;
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
VIII
Miss D. was delightful, till Mrs. E. prov'd her,By force of comparison, flaunting and free;
Then came Lady F.—Oh, how fondly I lov'd her,
Until I was dazzled by dear Mrs. G.!
Oh give me new faces, new faces, new faces!
Let novelty sweeten each sample you send;
A fortnight would rub off all grace from the Graces;
I want a new face for an intimate friend.
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |