In vain the gibbet or the pillory claim But I detain you with these tedious lays, THE WIFE AND THE NURSE: A NEW BALLAD. I. VICE once with Virtue did engage, To win Jove's conqu’ring son; So, for th' Alcides of our age, As strange a fray begun. II. His wife and ancient nurse between, Arose this wond'rous strife: Contended with his wife. JII. His wife, an island-nymph most fair, Bore plenty in her hand ; Her graces love command. IV. With modest dignity she stood ; Fast down her lovely face A righteous cause to grace. V. The tatter'd nurse, of aspect grum, Look'd prouder still than poor, With lofty airs inspir’d by-mum The queen of beggars, sure: VI. Mud was her dwelling, lean her plight, Her life on heaths she led ; With wreaths of turnip-tops bedight; Her eyes were dull as lead. VII. Yet thus the Caitiff, proud and poor, Our hero-judge address'd- VIII. “ I am thy aged nurse, so kind, “ Who ne'er did cross thy will; Thy wife to all thy charms is blind, “ Perverse and thwarting still. IX. “ Give me her clothes,” (continued she), “ With thy assistance soon “ Her costly robe may shine on me, “On her my rags be thrown. X. “ Seize on her store of boasted gold, “ Which she with jealous fear “ From thee still grudging would with-hold, 66 And trust it to my care.” XI. The lady of the işle “ And spurn this Caitiff vile. XII. “ With thine my same, “For thee my sailors toil; They for thy safety, pow'r, and fame, “ Enrich my spacious isle. XIII. “ Think too upon thy solemn vow, “When thou didst plight thy love, “ Thou cam'st to save me; wilt thou now Thy self my ruin prove ? XIV. “ How was I courted, how ador'd ! “ More happy as thy bride ; “ For thee, my safeguard, love and lord, “I slighted all beside. XV. “ Do thou still act a guardian's part, “ Nor be thy love estrang'd ; “ Treat me but kindly, and my heart “ Shall e'er remain unchang'd. |