Page:Dame of honour.pdf/3

(3) Nor never stript me to my stays,

to play at punk and ballet:

In Ratafia ne’er made debauch,

nor reell'd like topping Gunner,

Nor let my Mercer seize my coach,

when I was Dame of Honour.

I still preserv’d my maiden fame,

in spite of oaths and lying;

Tho' many a long-chin’d younker came,

and fain would be enjoying:

My fan to guard my lips I kept,

from Cupid’s loud o’er-runner,

And many a Roman-nose I rapp’d,

when I was Dame of Honour.

My curling locks I never bought

of beggar's dirty daughters;

Nor prompted by a wanton thought,

above knee ty’d my garters;

I never glow’d with painted pride,

like Punk when the Devil has won her,

Nor prov’d a cheat to be a bride,

when I was Dame of Honour.

My neighbours still I treated round,

and strangers that came near me;

The poor too always welcome found,

whose pray’rs did still endear me:

Let therefore who at court would be

no churl, nor yet no fawner,

Match in old hospitality

Queen Bess's Dame of Honour.