1807.10
Imitation of the Ancient Ballad
"Mr. Penwarne"
[John Penwarne][1]
The Monthly Magazine, XXIV (November, 1807), p. 365
The Morning Chronicle (January 5, 1808)

Why dost thou weepe, O gentle Ladye?
Why dost thou grieve, O Lady fayre?
    Why is thy lovelye baby presste
    In anguishe toe thie throbinge breaste?
And why that locke of blacke despayre?
    Why dost thou sit forlorne and sighe?
    Sweetest Ladye, tell my why—

I have cause toe weepe, kinde straunger;
I have a tale of woe toe telle:
    It is an Orphane Babe that's presste
    In Anguishe to a widowed breaste;
On Cressie's playne his Fathere fell—
    Then aske not, gentle straunger, why
    Thus forlorn I sit and sighe—

Nathless comfort take, fayre Ladye,
And let thie grief assuaged bee;
    For on a grateful nation's breaste
    Thou and thie orphan babe shall reste,
Whilst I will sit and weepe with thee;
    For bleste the teares that waile the brave,
    And drop upon a heroe's grave.

Notes

1. Author of Contemplation, A Poem (London, 1807).