Plumcake is seen o'er smaller pastry ware,
And ice on that; so Phillis does appear
In playhouse and in park, above the rest
Of belles mechanick, elegantly drest.
Phil. And yet Crepundia, that conceited fair,
Amid her toys, affects a saucy air,
And views me hourly with a scornful eye.
Cor. She might as well with bright Cleora vie.
Phil. With this large petticoat I strive in vain
To hide my folly past, and coming pain;
'Tis now no secret; she, and fifty more,
Observe the symptoms I had once before:
A second babe at Wapping must be plac'd,
When I scarce bear the charges of the last.
Cor. What I could raise I sent; a pound of plums,
Five shillings, and a coral for his gums;
Tomorrow I intend him something more.
Phil. I sent a frock and pair of shoes before.
Cor. However, you shall home with me to night,
Forget your cares, and revel in delight.
I have in store a pint or two of wine,
Some cracknels, and the remnant of a chine.
And now on either side, and all around,
The weighty shopboards fall, and bars resound;
Each ready semstress slips her pattins on,
And ties her hood, preparing to be gone.
L.B. W.H. J.S. S.T.
THE