Skip to content
1842–1914

THE “VIDUATE DAME”

Ambrose Bierce

‘ Tis the widow of Thomas Blythe, And she goeth upon the spree, And red are cheeks of the bystanders For her acts are light and free.

In a seven-ounce costume The widow of Thomas Blythe, Y-perched high on the window ledge, The difficult can-can tryeth.

Ten constables they essay To bate the dame's halloing. With the widow of Thomas Blythe Their hands are overflowing,

And they cry: “Call the National Guard To quell this parlous muss — For all of the widows of Thomas Blythe Are upon the spree and us!”

O long shall the eerie tale be told By that posse's surviving tithe; And with tears bedewed he'll sing this rude Ballàd of the widow of Thomas Blythe.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE “VIDUATE DAME” · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove