NANNY

Six weeks my dear mistress has been in a fret And nothing but Congress will do for her yet: She says they must come, or her senses she'll lose, From morning till night she is reading the news,

And loves the dear fellows that vote for our town ( Since no one can relish New-York but a clown, Where your beef is as lean, as if fattened on chaff, And folks are too haughty to worship — a calf )

She tells us as how she has read in her books That God gives them meat, but the devil sends cooks; And Grumbleton told us ( who often shoots flying ) That fish you have plenty — but spoil them in frying;

That your streets are as crooked, as crooked can be, Right forward three perches he never could see But his view was cut short with a house or a shop, That stood in his way — and obliged him to stop.

Those speakers that wish for New-York to decide,— ‘ Tis a pity that talents are so misapplied! My mistress declares she is vext to the heart That genius should take such a pitiful part;

For the question, indeed, she is daily distrest, And Gerry, I think, she will ever detest, Who did all he could, with his tongue and his pen To keep the dear Congress shut up in your Den.

She insists, the expense of removing is small, And that two or three thousands will answer it all, If that is too much, and we're so very poor — The passage by water is cheaper, be sure;

If people object the expence of a team, Here's Fitch with his wherry, will bring them by steam; And, Nabby!— if once he should take them on board, The Honour will be a sufficient reward.

But, as to myself, I vow and declare I wish it would suit them to stay where they are; I plainly foresee, that if once they remove Throughout the long day, we shall drive, and be drove,

My madam's red rag will ring like a bell, And the hall and the parlour will never look well; Such scouring will be as has never been seen, We shall always be cleaning, and never be clean,

And threats in abundance will work on my fears, Of blows on the back, and of cuffs on the ears — Two trifles, at present, discourage her paw, The fear of the Lord, and the fear of the law —

But if Congress arrive, she will have such a sway, That gospel and law will be both done away;— For the sake of a place I must bear all her din, And if ever so angry, do nothing but grin;

So Congress, I hope in your town will remain, And Nanny will thank them again and again.