PADDY'S COURTSHIP or LOVE at FIRST SIGHT,
being the awkward Addreses of M[R] PATRICK O'SHELF, & the abrupt Refusal of MISS BLARNY.

Through Dublin, as once I was trudging away,
About six O'clock, in the middle of the day;
I met with Miff's Blarny, whose eyes shine so bright!
That I fell deep in love, at the very first sight.
Derry down ke.

Och! - says I to myself, 'I'm sunk in to the skin,
I can never get out, so I'll plunge further in"
Then I followed her home, & said, 'Pray Madam give,
Me the freedom to ask whereabouts you may live?'
Derry down ke.

Says she, "Sir, pray what is your business with me,
That you now take the liberty, thus to make free,
For to ask, at my door where I live, is the same,
As to say, Mr. Dennis, pray what is your name?"
Derry down ke.

Though bothered & vext, with my doubts & my fears,
'I'm in love with your face / says I) up to the ears,
My name, at your service, is Patrick O'Shelf,
And likewise, not only, my name - but myself"
Derry down ke.

Having told her my meaning, in words pretty plain,
I began she would ease me of love's pleasing pain! -
She said she'd consider, and sent me away;
Saying 'Nights coming on, so I'll bid you good day'.
Derry down ke.

For two days, & three nights, I did nothing but fret;
In vain did I labour - no rest could I get.
For the whole of the time, that I lay wide awake,
Not one single nap, by my soul! - did I take!
Derry down ke.

Now finding myself in this tragic state,
My comfort, thinks I, cannot be very great:
So my charmer to meet, I put on my beat cloaths,
And though rather backward - strait forward I goes.
Derry down ke.

To be sure, then, I didn't stand still like a dunce,
But told her the fire of my flame - all at once,
"Love is / says I) Madam, / says I) Madam love! -
Is a gift, sent below, from the powers above!"
Derry down ke.

"Before you bewitch'd me, I slept like a post! -
But now I don't get, above three winks at most;
And unless you consent, to become man & wife,
I shall die, if you do not restore me to life?"
Derry down ke.

"Och! - if that is the case my dear honey! / says she
If you're apt to be sleepy, you won't do for me;
For I want a young fellow, brisk, jolly & tight!
But if you are so sleepy, I'll bid you good night"
Derry down ke.

I stood for some time, staring like a stuck pig!
And what to say next, rather bothered my gig;
When as if recollecting some business forgot,
She set off, like a bow, from an arrow that's shot!
Derry down ke.

With the use of my speech, I recovered my voice,
Says I, 'My dear Jewel, pray take your own choice;
For the future I'll serve, one my love will not slight,
That's my King & my Country, with joy & delight.
Derry down ke.

Published Dec. 30th, 1805, by LAURIE & WHITTLE, 53, Fleet Street, London.

416