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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE TO MRS. ANNE, REGULAR SERVANT by THOMAS GRAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: A MOMENT'S PATIENCE, GENTLE MISTRESS ANNE
Last Line: FOR GLORIOUS PUDDINGS, & IMMORTAL PIES.
Subject(s): DRAMATISTS; PLAYS & PLAYWRIGHTS ; POETRY & POETS; SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM (1564-1616); DRAMATISTS;

A MOMENT's patience, gentle Mistris Anne!
(But stint your clack for sweet S Charitie)
'Tis Willy begs, once a right proper Man,
Tho' now a Book, and interleav'd, you see.
Much have I born from canker'd Critick's spite,
From fumbling Baronets, and Poets small,
Pert Barristers, & Parsons nothing bright:
But, what awaits me now, is worst of all!
'Tis true, our Master's temper natural
Was fashion'd fair in meek & dovelike guise:
But may not honey's self be turn'd to gall
By residence, by marriage, & sore eyes?
If then he wreak on me his wicked will:
Steal to his closet at the hour of prayer,
And (when thou hear'st the organ piping shrill)
Grease his best pen, & all he scribbles, tear.
Better to bottom tarts & cheesecakes nice,
Better the roast-meat from the fire to save,
Better be twisted into caps for spice,
Than thus be patch'd, & cobbled in one's grave!
So York shall taste, what Clou"et never knew;
So from our works sublimer fumes shall rise:
While Nancy earns the praise to Shakespear due
For glorious puddings, & immortal pies.



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