Epistle to Mrs. Tyler
First then for custards, my dear Mary,
The produce of your dainty dairy.
For stewed, for baked, for boiled, for roast,
And all the teas and all the toast;
With thankful tongue and bowing attitude,
I here present you with my gratitude:
Next for your apples, pears and plums
Acknowledgement in order comes;
For wine, for ale, for fowl, for fish, for
Even all one’s appetite can wish for
But O ye pens, and o ye pencils,
And all ye scribbling utensils,
Say in what words and in what metre,
Shall unfeigned admiration greet her,
For that rich banquet so refined
Her conversation gave the mind;
The solid meal of sense and worth,
Set off by the dessert of mirth;
With fruit and pleasure’s genial bowl,
And all the joyous flow of soul;
For these and every kind ingredient
That formed your love -your most obedient.
