Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/157



ESPONDING Phyllis was endued With every talent of a prude: She trembled when a man drew near; Salute her, and she turn'd her ear; If o'er against her you were plac'd, She durst not look above your waist: She'd rather take you to her bed, Than let you see her dress her head: In church you hear her, through the crowd, Repeat the absolution loud: In church, secure behind her fan, She durst behold that monster man: There practis'd how to place her head, And bit her lips to make them red; Or, on the mat devoutly kneeling, Would lift her eyes up to the cielingceiling [sic], And heave her bosom unaware, For neighbouring beaux to see it bare. At length a lucky lover came, And found admittance to the dame. Suppose all parties now agreed, The writings drawn, the lawyer feed, The vicar and the ring bespoke: Guess, how could such a match be broke? See then what mortals place their bliss in! Next morn betimes the bride was missing:. VII.