Classic Poem

The lads and the lasses all jocund were seen,
With music and mirth round the pole on the green,
The lambkins were sporting all nature was gay,
To welcome the kindly return of the May:
When Doll, who was curs'd both with envy and years,
Her head, by old time, silver'd o'er with grey hairs,
From the youths and their sport sought retreat in the vale,
And thus pray'd for any thing — rather than fail .

Ye powers who saw me once blithsome and young,
How graceful I danc'd and how sweetly I sung,
My charms all subduing, each bard would rehearse,
My beauty alone was the subject of verse;
Each youth, with a sigh, would his passion unfoid,
Tho' now they have left me grown wrinkled and old;
With the ears of compassion attend to my tale,
And let me have any thing — rather than fail .

How silly was I in the days of my youth,
My follies forgive, since I own them with truth,
When lovers were plenty, I thought, to be sure,
I still might be certain of one in a score!
But, ah! as my charms, so their passions decay'd,
And greatly I fear I shall die an old maid;
Oh! pity my case, let my pleading prevail,
And send me but any thing — rather than fail .

Ye virgins now gay in the spring of your charms,
Who, vainly coquetting, give many alarms,
Let prudence advice and take place of your pride,
To one give your hand and become a chaste bride;
The pleasures of Hymen partake in your prime,
And thus by your conduct anticipate time,
Lest you all like poor Dolly grown ancient and pale,
Petition for any thing — rather than fail .