Gay wrote:—
Sirs:—We, the maids of Exon-City,
The maids—good lack! the more’s the pity!
We humbly offer this petition
To represent our sad condition.
Which, once made known, our hope and trust is
Your honoured House will do us justice.
First you shall hear—but can’t you guess?—
The reason of our sad distress.
A maiden was designed by nature