Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE INVITATION FROM A COUNTRY COTTAGE, by MARTHA (FOWKE) SANSOM


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE INVITATION FROM A COUNTRY COTTAGE, by                    
First Line: Close to the fireside confined
Last Line: Where all things wear an honest face.
Subject(s): Country Life


CLOSE to the fireside confined
By the cold fogs and piercing wind,
Blessed with my dog, and peace of mind:
The cheerful rustics all sit round,
Whose careful hands improve the ground,
After the labour of the day,
Upon the clean-swept hearth, and play.
The well-used pack of cards was found,
Grown soiled with often dealing round;
No ceremony here they use,
But frankly wrangle when they lose;
The hand that deals to all the rest
Returns not back to Colin's breast,
As among finer gamesters seen,
Nor is the table lined with green,
But a plain, honest, cleanly board,
Such as these humble shades afford;
No gold upon the table shines,
But chalk the homely game confines.
Some lad, more amorous than the rest,
Sings a sad ditty to their guest
Of some false damsel, most ingrate,
Or melancholy Bateman's fate.
Believe, it pleases me, my friend,
To see the artless tears descend:
Their eyes, that ne'er were taught to grieve,
Their hearts, which natural passions heave,
Show lovely Nature all undressed,
And charm my undesigning breast.
O! come, my friend, and see one place,
Where all things wear an honest face.





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