Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE OLD MAID'S PETITION by ANONYMOUS

First Line: PITY THE SORROWS OF A POOR OLD MAID
Last Line: WHOSE NIGHTS IN UNAVAILING TEARS ARE SPENT!
Subject(s): DEATH;GRIEF;LOVE;WOMEN; "DEAD, THE;SORROW;SADNESS;"

Pity the sorrows of a Poor Old Maid,
Who long a Proud Coquette disdain inspir'd,
Who long a beauteous face and form display'd,
And flush'd with flattery herself admir'd.

Amidst the throng in Theatres and Parks,
I used to shine in newest fashions dress'd,
Receive the homage of the Dashing Sparks,
And fired with envy every female breast.

As time advanced mankind forsook my train,
I then with Birds and Beasts some comfort found,
But now, oppress'd with sorrow I complain,
For, Oh, my Parrot's dead -- my Monkey's drown'd!

My tender Cat, as gentle as a dove,
Lur'd by her favourite to the garret high,
Fell -- headlong fell -- a victim to her love,
And on an iron rail was doomed to die!

My darling Pug, the kindest of his race,
Bit by an ugly cur one fatal morn,
A victim fell to madness, dire disease,
And left his Mistress wretched and forlorn!

Then soothe the sorrows of a worn-out fair,
Whose former follies bid her now repent,
Whose days pass on with grief and pining care,
Whose nights in unavailing tears are spent!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net