Classic Poem

Nan was Robin 's Fellow-Servant,
She could Milk, and he could plough:
Robin 's Love to Nan was fervent,
But the Damsel would not bow.

In the Field, or in the Meadow,
Wheresoe'er she Daily went,
Robin follow'd like her Shadow,
All to give his Passion vent.

Whatsoever Nan was doing,
Robin would his Time improve,
And, his main Design pursuing,
Make some Simile in Love.

Why, quoth Robin , cruel Maiden,
Dost thou thus distract my Mind?
Heavens grant thou art not paid in
Thy own unrelenting Kind!

See, fair Maid, each living Creature,
Only stuborn-hearted thou,
Do as all are taught by Nature,
And to Love's Dominion bow!

Long his Passion Nan resisted,
And had always kept her Hold,
Had not Fortune once assisted — —
Fortune always helps the Bold.

Nan would go to Bed as usual,
Robin too would march that Way,
When her Door made stout Refusal,
Dame forgot, and took the Key.

Robin , proud of this Occasion,
All his former Hopes to crown,
Brought the Maid, with fair Perswasion,
On his Threshold to fit down.

Now, said he, my pretty Blowzy,
Let us love and never fear — —
Dame, you know, is always drowsy,
We may talk and she not hear.

Ay, quoth Nan , but should my Master,
I could never face him more;
Therefore, to prevent Disaster,
We'll go in, and shut the Door. — —

Thus one lucky Minute doing
All the mighty Work of Love,
Ever after, Sans more wooing,
Bob and Nan were Hand and Glove.