Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FINE LADY'S LIFE, by HENRY CAREY (1687-1743)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FINE LADY'S LIFE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What though they call me country lass
Last Line: "with a 'stand by! Clear the way!'"
Subject(s): Country Life; Women


"What though they call me country lass;
I read it plainly in my glass
That for a duchess I might pass!
O, could I see the day!
Would Fortune but attend my call,
At Park, at Play, at Ring, at Ball,
I'd brave the proudest of them all,—
With a 'Stand by! Clear the way!'

Surrounded by a crowd of beaux,
With smart toupees and powdered clothes,
At rivals I'd turn up my nose!
O, could I see the day!
I'd dart such glances from these eyes,
Shall make some lord or duke, my prize!
And then, O, how I'll tyrannise,
With a 'Stand by! Clear the way!'

O, then for every new delight,
For equipage and diamonds bright,
Quadrille, and Plays, and Balls, all night!
O, could I see the day!
Of love and joy I'd take my fill,
The tedious hours of life to kill.
In everything I'd have my will,
With a 'Stand by! Clear the way!'"





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