Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/4

 My body is both plump and round,

With comely neck and breast,

No brighter creature would be found

Were I but oftener drest.

But daily I am wearied so

By being used much,

I black as any negro go,

Nor scarce am fit to touch.

When mortals are involv'd in ills,

I sing with mournful voice;

If mirth their hearts in gladness fills,

I celebrate their joys.

And as the lark with warbling throat,

Ascends upon the wing;

So I lift up my cheerful note,

And as I mount I sing.

A tall and slender shape I bear,

No lady's skin more white or fair;

My life is short and doth decay

Be soon, it seldom lasts a day.

If in the evening brought to light,

I make my exit in the night;

Yet to mankind I'm useful ever,

And many hidden things discover,

Which makes all these who round me tend,

Oft with a sigh lament my end.

I'm of the same materials made as you,

Have native ignorance and beauty too,

But when I fly for safety to your arms,

You to a foreigner resign my charms;

He to defile me thinks it no offence,

And rudely robs me of my innocence.