The Pearl/Volume 8/Then-and-Now.

Nine years ago I Betsy knew, When she was but thrice five; With eyes that flash'd in amorous glow, The prettiest girl alive!

Behold her now! a married dame, Huge, burly, fat and coarse; With a plump, lusty, dumpy frame. Hind quarters of a horse!

She then was light, and slim, and fresh, Rosy, and light'ning ey'd; She then was Spirit - now - O Flesh! How are thou finished!

SECOND PART.

Her sister Athenais sits Beside her in the pew; I wonder if that lass forgets, What I once used to do?

She then was nine; I put my hand, Into her frock behind; And strok'd her, you will understand, Just as I felt inclin'd.

She giggled and she winc'd about, But liked the picked rudeness; She eyes me kindly - she no doubt Remembers all my lewdness.

Yes - eyes me most luxuriously, With glances bright beseeching! How pleasantly the moments fly, While Mr. Cotterill's preaching!

I see she feels the amorous smart, She muses on the men, Comprising in her virtuous heart, The thoughts of now and then.