Read Ebook: An Address to a Wealthy Libertine or the Melancholy Effects of Seduction; with a Letter from an Unfortunate Farmer's Daughter to her Parents in Norfolk by Parkerson James

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Ebook has 85 lines and 10016 words, and 2 pages

Tune.--"Derry Down."

This night I am trying a picture to draw, Whom you know very well is a son of the law; A wonder of wonders, he will not drive the quill, To injure another, or make a bad will.

To increase a dispute he begs leave to decline, And will settle such things o'er a glass of good wine; When 'twas said we soon should be invaded by France, Oh dear how he made his gay pony quick dance.

I fear 'twould be found he would be in the rear, If the time was to come that their armies were near; And was they on Albion's shore to arrive, The shock would be such that he could not survive.

As Hudibras says, he this notion retain, He that quick runs away may perhaps fight again; On Sundays he brought his brave men to our view, But some people say they no fighting e'er knew.

Had such been the case I will answer to say, But those very brave valiants would soon run away; Give them plumb pudding and plenty of beef, And alone on the ground would be found the grand Chief.

Show him but a bottle of excellent wine, And I'd warrant to say he'd the contest decline; If talking would do he would frighten them all, But I don't think he'd like to see powder or ball,

Come whistling near to his brain-pan or heart; From such trying scenes he would gladly depart; As a neighbour he's worthy the village esteem, May he ne'er want a bottle nor I a good theme.

OLD JACK.--A SONG.

Tune.--"The Exciseman".

Not far from the village you'll see, A snug little mansion appear, As pleasant I think as can be, To divert all its inmates from care.

It's embellish'd with pebbles and glass, Which in buildings is rare to be seen; To enliven the eye as you pass, In the front is a very neat green.

One side there a clump of fir trees, The other a garden with fruit, With flowerets the ladies to please, And a jasmine tree into boot.

A paddock adjoins the loved spot, Another thing more you'll denote; For work-men a very neat cot, With a very good round little moat.

At the end of the cottage oft lay, The black little scot on the straw; On whom do old Jack in the day At times lay his delicate paw.

I dare not almost for my life, Tell Jack what I really do think; That the scot he likes well as his wife, Except it is strong beer to drink.

But old Jack he is getting quite old, Was always a good natured man; You could not allure him by gold, To act in a dishonest plan.

Few dare the old man to oppose, Be him ever so much in the wrong, For many he takes by the nose, Be they ever so stout or so strong.

He envies not those in fine gigs, His mind he keeps constant at ease, Pass his time with the bullocks and pigs, And his master most commonly please.

May the master and man live as long, As comforts on earth can be found; Then be join'd to the heavenly throng, Where angelical pleasures abound.

Alas, the dull bell his departure declares, His wife and poor children are shedding those tears That flows from sincerity's bosom of grief, Scarce can old time give a lapse from relief. The widow to ease or the orphan protect, He would never a minute in friendship neglect; Sometimes ungrateful they each of them prov'd, At tales of affliction his bosom was moved. How cheerful he'd set tho' hard blew the gale, Amusing his friends with a voyager's tale. Ill nature did never his features deform, His hopes were thro' life to weather the storm. Sometimes fickle fortune to him would prove kind, Then he'd furl up his sails for a respite to mind; When the mishaps of life to his bosom gave pain, He would boldly embark on the ocean again; In hopes that hereafter more lucky to be, He would venture his all to the boisterous sea. To a gloomy prison, with numbers hard press'd, Oft thought of his home was greatly distress'd; Yet the moment the tears of affliction was o'er, Cherish'd a hope for to see them once more. Return'd and no language those joys can impart, When he press'd with affection his wife to his heart; His children all gladden'd their Father to see, Some hung round his neck, while some press'd his knee. Pure friendship then enter'd their old friend to greet, And happy was many, the sailor to meet. They cried, your long absence have given us pain, But thank God in safety we see you again. 'T was the last trip he made, pale sickness o'er-spread The cheek once so rosy, and forced to his bed, A Man that ne'er harbour'd a thought in his breast To injure another or rob him of rest. With calmness he cried, wife and children adieu, My feelings foretel me I'm not long with you. GOD fix my departure, and his will be done, Lay me close by my house when my hour glass is run. Complied were his wishes, for near is the grave, Where Lieth the Body of BEN GEE the Brave.

Late of Herts.

My Friends are fled from mortal eye, God sent the just decree; Let us submit to him on high, Who made the Earth and Sea.

I hear again that death has paid, A second visit where, Lately dwelt a virtuous maid, And parent's tender care.

Dear Madam, let your troubled, breast, This Earthly comfort find; God alone can lull to rest The widow's downcast mind.

Late did your worthy partner say, From death no one can flee; Ere many months are pass'd away, Our Nancy rests by me.

Clos'd in that spot from public view, I've pointed out the grave; Let pious thoughts stern grief subdue, Jesus repentants save.

Adieu! he cried to all around, That stood beside his bed; Sweet mercies to us will abound, If we by grace are led.

We know that our redeemer live, Beside the God of all; Who will our errors all forgive, If we sincerely call.

Death came mantling on his brow, With firmness still he prayed; O God, on sinners mercy show, Ere in the grave we're laid.

His wife and children now deplore Their loss with many a sigh, And so does many labouring poor, With many a weeping eye.

Truly he did assistance lend, To those that stood in need, The orphan in him found a friend, A constant one indeed.

Walker, Printer, near the Duke's Palace, Norwich.

Footnotes:

Jack at times shaves his brother workmen.

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