Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ELIZABETH ANN by JOHN DRINKWATER

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THIS IS THE TALE OF ELIZABETH ANN
Last Line: GIVE HER YOUR CHARITY, GIVE HER YOUR PRAYERS.
Subject(s): HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEES; SERVANTS; DOMESTICS; MAIDS;
THIS is the tale of Elizabeth Ann,
Who went away with her fancy man.

Ann was a girl who hadn't a gown
As fine as the ladies who walk the town.

All day long from seven to six
Ann was polishing candlesticks,

For Bishops and crapulous Millionaires
To buy for their altars or bed-chambers.

And youth in a year and a year will pass,
But there's never an end of polishing brass.

All day long from seven to six --
Seventy thousand candlesticks.

So frail and lewd Elizabeth Ann
Went away with her fancy man.

You Bishops and crapulous Millionaires,
Give her your charity, give her your prayers.



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