Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/295

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The WIFE of BATH.
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To find in pleasures I have had my part,Still warms me to the bottom of my heart.This wicked world was once my dear delight;Now all my conquests, all my charms good night!The flour consum'd, the best that now I can,Is e'en to make my market of the bran.My fourth dear spouse was not exceeding true;He kept, 'twas thought, a private miss or two:But all that score I paid—as how? you'll say,Not with my body, in a filthy way—But I so dress'd, and danc'd, and drank, and din'd;And view'd a friend, with eyes so very kind,As stung his heart, and made his marrow fryWith burning rage, and frantic jealousy.His soul, I hope, enjoys perpetual glory,For here on earth I was his purgatory.Oft', when his shoe the most severely wrung,He put on careless airs, and sate and sung.How sore I gall'd him, only heav'n could know,And he that felt, and I that caus'd the woe.

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