1860 Oxford Night Caps

35

are fond of aquatic excursions. Many are tlie sonnets and songs wliicli have been made upon the fair waiting women who almost invariably prepare this cooling and wholesome beverage. The following speci men, written some years since, probably will not prove unacceptable to the reader.

Say—lives far or near a damsel so fair, So cheerful, so blithe, or so merry? On earth I can't find A nymph halfso kind As Doris, the Maid ofthe Ferry. My rivals may boast, and coxcomhs may toast Her in old port, madeira, or sherry; To them I can prove, They'll ne'er gain the love OfDoris, the Maid ofthe Ferry.

She looks up the oars, and the old tavern scores And now and then cleans out a wherry;

The sails she can mend. And the parlour attend. For obliging's the Maid ofthe Feriy.