I'm almost sick and tired to death
With staying in this lonesome place,
Where every day presents itself
With just the same dull-looking face.
Oh! had I but some kind fair friend
With whom to chat the hours away,
I ne'er would care how blew the wind
Nor tedious should I think my stay.
Ah! that was once my happy lot
When I with house and home was blest,
I'd then a fair companion got
With many female charms possessed.
Nor scantily did Heaven shower down
Those gifts which render life a blessing.
But did our cup with plenty crown,
Nor let us feel what was distressing.
Yes, dearest Sally, thou wast fair,
Not only fair, but kind and good;
Sweetly together did we share
The blessings Heaven on us bestowed.
Till base Rebellion did display
Her banners fair with false pretence,
Then kindly Heaven took thee away
From evils which have happened since.
And careless me, when I had lost
Of all my blessings far the best,
Did teach, and justly, at my cost,
The worth of what I once possessed.
'Tis often so—we do not prize
The present good at its just rate,
But gone, we see with other eyes
What was its worth when tis too late.
Now one more verse fair Ladies nine,
And there'll be one apiece for you;
'Tis the way I sometimes spend my time
When I have nothing else to do.