There was a time when death was terror, Something harsh in every ear, The tear left on the cheek a furrow, And every breath was drawn with fear; Now the pall soon dies away, Bury the dead and all be gay. There was a time that rare was danger, Dirks and pistols slept profound; Thus sustain the harmless stranger, And the peasant was renowned; Now all cry take care cut throat, Long moustaches, caps and boots. There was a time when rules were riches, Wives and husbands knew their own; Women seldom wore the breeches, Left their husbands' ploughs alone; Now tobacco rules have crossed, And no one knows who chaws the most. There was a time when peace was plenty, All the world could harmonize; Few complained, not one in twenty, Of good peas and pumpkin pies; Soda shortens now the meal, Else you'll hear a dreadful peal. There was a time when ladies swore not, Teasing their husbands for a dram; Draughts of gin their bosoms bore not, Effusing from their lips a damn; Now they swear, they drink and boast, And the fairest drink the most. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DISAPPOINTMENT by APHRA BEHN ON A VIRTUOUS YOUNG GENTLEWOMAN THAT DIED SUDDENLY by WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT LONDON, 1802 (1) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH EMIGRATION by LISA DOMINGUEZ ABRAHAM THE PROFESSION OF FLATTERY by ANTIPHANES |