Repentance

THE dictates of Nature prove school knowledge weak;
Does not Instinct beyond all the orators speak?
From their parts of speech we'll not borrow one part,
Our lips, without words, find the way to the heart.

Thus as last night I sung, with my lass on my knee,
Methought one below, hoarse enquired for me;
He listen'd and heard him, his breathing seem'd scant,
And up stairs he stepp'd with asthmatical pant.

The door op'ning wide, solus enter'd the sprite,
Black and all black his dress, sable emblem of Night.
His livid lips quiver'd, pronouncing my name,
And, head and staff shaking, declar'd me to blame.

Repentance (quoth he) won't admit of delays,
I insist, from this moment, you alter your ways.
As I star'd at him, slily, my bottle I hid,
Then punct'ally promis'd to do as he bid.

With unkerchief'd neck, sparkling eyes, and loose hair,
Her gown, single pinn'd, burst from closet my fair,
There she fled when the fright first appeared in the room,
Then fell at his seet in the health of Love's bloom.

So graceful she knelt, and so tender her tone,
Then she sent such a look, Silver-beard was her own.
I saw his eyes twinkle, blood flatter'd his face,
He fondly, tho' feebly, essay'd an embrace.

I left them, and, just as I fancy'd, the churl
Made a strengthless attempt to be rude with my girl.
She shriek'd, I rush'd in as he strove to escape,
And the Watch took Repentance away for a rape.

Ever since when we wanton in rapt'rous embrace,
The reproach-bearing-wretch dares not shew us his face
May each fond of each, thus enjoyment improve,
Be henceforth Repentance a stranger to Love.