Classic Poem

My Dear,
You'll not wonder I'm almost in vapours!
This merciless, graceless detention of Papers —
When my head and my heart were as light as a Cork,
With the hope of a safe and quick passage to York —
Is almost too much for a Mortal to bear!
But Prudence suggests we should never despair;
And Reason points out that Good Humour and Patience
Are better Companions than half our Relations;
Take off the rough edge of illnature and malice
And make our dark Prison as gay as a Palace.

Tho' kept in suspense, yet, my dear, don't pronounce ill
Of President's views, or intentions of Council.
Such baseless opinions I'm sure you will alter
When once you reflect that a hugeous Defaulter,
A Judge, and a Wit, and a Poet beside,
For some small Offences this day has been tried.

Small Offences! you cry — yes, my dear — and with reason:
For Bribery's nothing compared with Treason.
And what was this bribe? Why, a glass of good Wine,
Which all men in office should have when they dine.
Whether paid for when bought, or a month or two after,
Might furnish the court with a subject for laughter;
Which Judges and Council, a pack of sly elves,
Most wisely determin'd to keep to themselves:
Afraid lest the Secret should 'scape thro' the key-hole,
The method of changing a Black to a Creole —
Or, if the comparison is not too trite,
The Secret of making a Blackamoor white!

A Cause so important has made me lose one day;
Tomorrow must follow, because it is Sunday;
And Heav'n only knows what will happen on Monday.

These Rhymes would scarce pass in a Ring for a Poesy;
Yet, please to accept them, as coming from Josey .