AN

ELEGY

ON THE GLORY OF HER SEX,

MRS. MARY BLAIZE.

Good people all, with one accord,
Lament for Madam Blaize,

Who never wanted a good word-
From those who spoke her praise,

The needy seldom pass'd her door,
And always found her kind;
She freely lent to all the poor--
Who left a pledge behind.

She strove the neighbourhood to please, With manners wondrous winning; And never follow'd wicked ways

Unless when she was sinning.

At church, in silks and satins new,

With hoop of monstrous size;

She never slumber'd in her pew---
But when she shut her eyes.

Her love was sought, I do aver,
By twenty beaux and more;
The king himself has follow'd her-
When she has walk'd before.

But now her wealth and fin'ry fled,
Her hangers-on cut short-all;

The doctors found, when she was dead,

Her last disorder mortal.

That, had she liv'd a twelvemonth more,—

She had not died to-day.

ON

A BEAUTIFUL YOUTH,

STRUCK BLIND BY LIGHTNING.

IMITATED FROM THE SPANISH.

SURE 'twas by Providence design'd,
Rather in pity, than in hate,

That he should be, like Cupid, blind,
To save him from Narcissus' fate.

THE GIFT.

TO

IRIS, IN BOW-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN.

SAY, cruel Iris, pretty rake,

Dear mercenary beauty,

What annual off'ring shall I make
Expressive of my duty?

My heart, a victim to thine eyes,
Should I at once deliver,

Say, would the angry fair one prize
The gift who slights the giver?

A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,
My rivals give-and let 'em,
If gems, or gold, impart a joy,

I'll give them when I get 'em.

I'll give-but not the full-blown rose, Or rose-bud more in fashion;

Such short-liv'd off'rings but disclose A transitory passion.

I'll give thee something yet unpaid,
Not less sincere than civil:

I'll give thee-ah! too charming maid,
I'll give thee to the devil.