Long time Plain Dealing in the haughty town, | |
Wand’ring about, though in a threadbare gown, | |
At last unanimously was cried down. | |
When almost starved, she to the country fled | |
| 5 | In hopes though meanly she should there be fed |
And tumble nightly on a pea-straw bed. | |
But Knavery, knowing her intent, took post | |
And rumoured her approach through every coast, | |
Vowing his ruin that should be her host. | |
| 10 | Frighted at this, each rustic shut his door, |
Bid her be gone and trouble him no more, | |
For he that entertained her must be poor. | |
At this, grief seized her, grief too great to tell, | |
When weeping, sighing, fainting, down she fell, | |
| 15 | Whilst Knavery, laughing, rung her passing bell. |