Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Ellen Mackay HutchinsonCortissoz1123 Praise-God Barebones
I
And tossed a pot together;—
Burnt sack it was that Molly brewed,
For it was nipping weather.
’Fore George! To see Dick buss the wench
Set all the inn folk laughing!
They dubbed him pearl of cavaliers
At kissing and at quaffing.
And rarely burnt, fair Molly;
’T would cure the sourest Crop-ear yet
Of Pious Melancholy.”
“Egad!” says I, “here cometh one
Hath been at ’s prayers but lately.”
—Sooth, Master Praise-God Barebones stepped
Along the street sedately.
And touch of his Toledo,
Gave Merry Xmas to the rogue
And bade him say his Credo;
Next crush a cup to the King’s health,
And eke to pretty Molly;
“’T will cure your Saintliness,” says Dick,
“Of Pious Melancholy.”
My heart stood still a minute:
Thinks I, both Dick and I will hang,
Or else the devil’s in it!
For me, I care not for old Noll,
Nor all the Rump together.
Yet, faith! ’t is best to be alive
In pleasant Xmas weather.
“I love not blows nor brawling;
Yet will I give thee, fool, a pledge!”
And, zooks! he sent Dick sprawling!
When Moll and I helped Wildair up,
No longer trim and jolly,—
“Feel’st not, Sir Dick,” says saucy Moll,
“A Pious Melancholy?”