The Pearl/Volume 8/Then-and-Now.
Nine years ago I Betsy knew,
When she was but thrice five;
With eyes that flash'd in amorous glow,
The prettiest girl alive!
Behold her now! a married dame,
Huge, burly, fat and coarse;
With a plump, lusty, dumpy frame.
Hind quarters of a horse!
She then was light, and slim, and fresh,
Rosy, and light'ning ey'd;
She then was Spirit - now - O Flesh!
How are thou finished!
SECOND PART.
Her sister Athenais sits
Beside her in the pew;
I wonder if that lass forgets,
What I once used to do?
She then was nine; I put my hand,
Into her frock behind;
And strok'd her, you will understand,
Just as I felt inclin'd.
She giggled and she winc'd about,
But liked the picked rudeness;
She eyes me kindly - she no doubt
Remembers all my lewdness.
Yes - eyes me most luxuriously,
With glances bright beseeching!
How pleasantly the moments fly,
While Mr. Cotterill's preaching!
I see she feels the amorous smart,
She muses on the men,
Comprising in her virtuous heart,
The thoughts of now and then.