Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A SONG FOR THE SINGLE TABLE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, by ELIZABETH FRANCES AMHERST



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SONG FOR THE SINGLE TABLE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye single folks all, that adorn this gay table
Last Line: Derry down &c.
Alternate Author Name(s): Thomas, Mrs. Elizabeth
Subject(s): Holidays; New Year; Single People; Bachelors; Unmarried People


YE single folks all, that adorn this gay table,
Come join in a chorus as loud as you're able:
Let the married ones know, by your mirth and your song,
That for us every New Year comes smiling along.
Derry down &c.

Sweet Liberty's ours, to the wise ever dear,
And while it is ours we have nothing to fear:
No wives ever-scolding, our hearts to dismay,
Nor husbands to thank us 'cause wiser than they.
Derry down &c.

No brats that are squalling for victuals at home,
No grave curtain-lectures when thither we come;
No faults to be found with our persons or minds,
For who in himself imperfections e'er finds?
Derry down &c.

Can ambition desire more absolute sway
Than to be our own masters for good and for aye?
Be this then your maxim, and follow it still,
Those only are happy who have their own will.
Derry down &c.

But happiness only is known by compare,
As foils set off diamonds. Lo! our foil is there.
Ah! Hymen, the looks of thy victims explain
The comfort of dragging an old rusty chain.
Derry down &c.





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