Address to the Ladies Mary's Page
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ADDRESS
TO THE LADIES
Most honoured Ladies, at your feet I lay
My poor, imperfect Muse;
Trusting, you'll some attention pay,
And these few lines peruse.
As thrives the shrub beneath the lofty pine,
And grows secure beside its stately form;
Fears not the sun, at day's meridian tide,
And stands, unhurt, amidst the lashing storm:
So I, and my dear little family,
May, by your condescension, gain support; Screen'd from the storms of keen adversity, Beneath the smile of opulence and worth.
For you, whose bosoms are from scorn exempt,
Will not despise my lowly occupation,
Nor treat my humble errand with contempt,
Nor yet discourage this my speculation.
But lest I should upon your time intrude,
This verse, the business of my paper, shews,
(Hoping you will not think me pert or rude,)
I buy all kinds of old and cast-off clothes.
22 23
MARY BAILEY
Upon your goodness I will ne'er intrude:
A fair and honest price I wish to give,
Then, from your favours, pray, don't me exclude;
I only want a profit just to live.
And, to those ladies who've encouraged me,
My heartfelt thanks, sincerely, I return;
Hoping their favours will continued be,
And with warm gratitude my heart shall burn.
24
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Contents
To a Lady who visited the author when she was in great distress 14
To a Lady who desired me to pray for the death of youngest child 17
Petition to the British Fair 19
On the Death of the Revd. Dr. Wylde, late of Nottingham 21
Lines, Written in July, on Widow Hind's garden, at Hints, in Staffordshire 26
Lines On the Death of a Gentleman of Basford 31
The Author to Her Infant Twins 35
Appendix: Mary Bailey's Obituary 37
Index of titles and first lines 42
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