Classic Poem

To MY Cosen Mistress F. F.

Shall I tel with whom and wher
I would rub out the silent year
It should not be in Camp or Hall
Though to be Judg or Generall
Clients at Barr, and Rendevous
Ile never for Contentment chuse
Nor sequester my judgment soe
As to partake with frend or foe
When the house smiles and Army frownes
Until they ease Them of their Crownes
Dismember them or threten knocks
As if with heat They'hd gott the —
These are above us: nor is't fitt
To open whilst committees sit
With pen or tongue to speak or write
'Gainst Those have teeth for such will bite
But with a Frend one may call soe
I shall into the Cuntry Goe
Ther Chuse myself within my Sphere
Or house the first knight of that shere
Whilst that my wellcome doth express
My neighbours too are Burgesses
Thus when I have Lent-all their Q
The Speakers place belongs to you
Females, and to the Chirping Frye
T'express alowd their noe or I
When as the questions verdit lies
In Rodds Plum Cake or Apple pies
Then all my martiall Feats are known
By Conquering my self alone
In which Exployt as much I shine
As if a Walled Town were mine
Ther place my Guards that vice and sin
May meet repulce nor enter in
Yet Entertain what Freedom lends
Of Conversation to Frends
Which is Drawn out Discoursing wayes
In Censuring This or in Thats praise
Wherin the Discepline soe well
Observd as that noe Bird can tell
Then to draw out my Park preferrs
Thes Scouts and Those field Officers
The Trembling Deer of Fallow hue
Closs in the Fearn doe lie perdue
Til Gallant with his Party Charm
Th'Eccoing woods guive alarm
Then Jupiter shootes from his sphere
Clowder that Thundring Cannoneer
And Singers heard whilst bullets fly
Then Conquering Cesar mends the Crye
Dutches and Juno of a speed
Fleetly run in and doe the deed
Whilst by a valley th'game is known
And Peerles ruines them alone
Tomboy the favorite of the Gierles
Casts quick about and nimbly hurles
To catch the sent Then Famous sped
Hits ofe the fault or nayle o'th'head
And wher the doubling garne had gon
Leavs not t'vent from ston to ston
Thus when their quarters are broak up
And we in Garrison a Cup
Of Nut-brown Ale or radiant Sack
Strait fournishes with all we lack
Meat, Drink, and Cloth; the Hall and skreen
Are Courts of Guard and Celler Magazeen
Which I'de not change with Cardnall Mazareen.