The night her silent sable wore.

And gloomy were the skies,

Of glittering stars appeared no more

Than those in Nellys eyes.



When to her fathers door I came,

Where I had oftern been.

I begged my fair my lovely dame.

To rise and let me in.



But she with accents all devine,

Did my fond suit reprove,

And while she chid my rash design,

She but inflamed my love.



Her beauty oft had pleased me before,

While her bright eyes did roll,

But virtue only had the power, 

To chance my very soul.



My eager fondness I obeyed,

Resolved she should be mine,

Till Hymen to my arms conveyed,

My treasure so devine.


 
How happy in my Nellys love,

Transporting in my joy,

No greater blessing can I find,

So blessed a man am I.



For beauty my a while retain,

The conquered fluttering heart,

But virtue only is the claim,

Holds never do depart.



This alas to me is dear

For love it draws the near

In this you see remember me,

And bear it in mind.

For a hard-looking girl,

Like me is hard to find.





Mary E. Andrews

Robersonville

Martin Co.

N. C.