The Downfal of Pride:
BEING
An Account of a Merchants Wife, who having two Daughters,
loved one, and hated the other: Together with a Relation of her Dar-
ling, and her own Misfortune, as likewise the Prosperity of her despised
Daughter, by whom they were all at length Succoured in their Distress.
To the Tune of Aim not too High. Licensed according to Order.
|
IN London liv'd a wealthy Merchants Wife,
|
Who lived here a long and happy Life;
|
Her loving Husband Plough'd the Ocean Main,
|
In sumptuous Robes his Lady to maintain.
|
The Glory of this World she did behold
|
Rich Jewels, Diamonds, Chains of shining Gold,
|
Embroidered Silks, and other Gems vast store;
|
As Rich as ever London Lady wore,
|
Her very Heart was swallow'd up in pride,
|
So that she minded little else beside;
|
If that she did frequent the House of Prayer,
|
It was to see and learn new Fashions there.
|
She had two Daughters, both of beauty bright,
|
In one of which she plac'd her chief delight;
|
The other she did constantly despise,
|
And over her did daily Tyrannize.
|
The youngest Daughter, Modest, Meek, and Mild,
|
She did not use as if she was her Child;
|
Father and Mother, both did her degrade,
|
And kept her like a Drudge, or Servant-Maid.
|
On all occasions, still early or late,
|
The younger Sister was oblig'd to wait,
|
She chearfully the same did undergo,
|
Because it was their will it should be so,
|
Their Darling like a Peacock fine and gay,
|
Was still adorn'd in sumptuous rich array;
|
And to a Boarding-School was sent to be
|
Fit for a Husband of no mean degree.
|
Her Portion being Fifteen hundred pound,
|
The noise of which was blaz'd all London round;
|
So that rich Suiters came both Night and Day,
|
At length a Merchant bore the prize away.
|
In State and Triumph they the Wedding kept,
|
The younger Sister, she in sorrow wept,
|
Because while they did Feast with sumptuous fare,
|
They did not think her worthy to be there.
|
But now behold how Fortune soon did frown,
|
To pull their high and haughty Spirits down
|
In three Months space the wealthy Father dyed,
|
And thus began the woeful Fall of Pride.
|
Soon after this, the Son-in-law was found
|
To be in Debt, above Five thousand Pound,
|
So that her Daughters Portion went at last,
|
And he likewise into a Prison cast.
|
The Mother to release him out of thrall,
|
For her dear Darlings sake did part with all:
|
And tho' by this, at length he was set free,
|
They were reduc'd to woeful Poverty.
|
The youngest Daughter whom they did revile,
|
A hand of Providence did bless the while;
|
For living with a worthy Ancient Knight,
|
He doted on her splendid Beauty bright.
|
Then making her his honest lawful Wife,
|
With whom she led a comfortable Life;
|
And when he Dy'd, he left her all his store,
|
Which was two thousand Pounds a year and more
|
So soon as e're her Mourning year was past,
|
Many right worthy Suitors came at last;
|
Yet she no choice of any Match would make,
|
But liv'd a Widow for her Mothers sake.
|
Home to her House this Daughter took her streight
|
To live there, on a plentiful Estate;
|
And was always to Duty so inclin'd,
|
That former Wrongs she would not bear in mind
|
Brother and Sister likewise did depend
|
On her, for why they had no other friend;
|
But she whom they had often spighted lo,
|
To whom they for their ronstant Succour go.
|
Now, let all Parents that this Ditty hear,
|
Have equal kindness for your Children dear;
|
Those that you think scarce worthy of your love
|
Do oftentimes the greatest Blessings prove.
|
|
|
|
|
|