Classic Poem

I.

D O not most fragrant Earl, disclaim
Thy bright, thy reputable Flame,
To Bracegirdle the Brown;
But publickly espouse the Dame,
And say G — D — the Town.

II.

Full many Heroes, fierce and keen,
With Drabs have deeply smitten been,
Although right good Commanders;
Some who with you have Hounslow seen,
And some who've been in Flanders .

III.

Did not base Greber 's P EGG inflame
The sober Earl of Nottingham ,
Of sober Sire descended?
That careless of his Soul and Fame,
To Play-houses he nightly came,
And left Church undefended.

IV.

The Monarch who of France is hight,
Who rules the Rost with matchless Might,
Since W ILLIAM went to Heaven;
Loves M AINTENON , his Lady bright,
Who was but S CARRON'S Leaving.

V.

Tho' thy Dear's Father kept an Inn
At grisly Head of Saracen ,
For Carriers at Northampton ;
Yet she might come of gentler Kin,
Than e'er that Father dreamt on.

VI.

Of Proffers large her Choice had she,
Of Jewels, Plate, and Land in Fee
Which she with Scorn rejected:
And can a Nymph so virtuous be
Of base-born Blood suspected?

VII.
Her dimple Cheek, and roguish Eye,
Her slender Waste, and taper Thigh,
I always thought provoking;
But, faith, tho' I talk waggishly,
I mean no more than Joking.

VIII.

Then be not jealous, Friend, for why?
My Lady Marchioness is nigh,
To see I ne'er shall hurt ye;
Besides, you know full well, that I,
Am turn'd of Five-and-forty.