The Maid and the Magpie / An Interesting Tale Founded on Facts

LONDON. Published by G. Stevens, 10 Borough Road, Southwark.
At Palaiseau, there liv’d a maid, In form and features mild; The stings of conscience never prey’d, On this devoted child.
She serv’d a wealthy farmer there, An honest soul was he; Her comforts were his only care, And all he wish’d to see.
His wife was of another mould, And prematurely smart; Hasty, and rash, with that a scold, Yet still a feeling heart.

One summers eve’, her labor done, She sat in pensive plight; Watching the clear declining sun, With rapt’rous delight.
’Twas then, that Blaisot trembling came And sitting by her side; Ventur’d to declare his flame, And ask her for his bride.
He told his tale of tender love, Then on her hand he sigh’d! Annette she blush’d, her love to prove And with his suit complied.
In mutual flame, their bosoms burn, He steals a rapt’rous kiss; When soon old Juliannes return, Distroy’d the lovers bliss.
By Farm-house door in wicker cage, A Magpie hung to view; Whose prattling tongue would oft assuage, The melancholy few.
Julianne now strict orders made, To clean up all the plate; Annette her orders quick obey’d And sought the outer gate.
Her Father who was sadly poor, And wander’d heedless were; Just at the moment reach’d the door, In wild, and deep dispair.