The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

The GHOST
A TALE.

AR in the West there liv'd of old.
An honest Yeoman, rich and bold,
Merry his Heart as Heart could be,
His soul quite open, generous, free,
Hearty he was in all he spoke,
And no Man better lov'd a Joke,
It happen'd at a certain Time,
Twas of the Year the very Prime,
His blooming Neice thought fit to wed,
And Love and Hymen crown'd the Bed ;
To grace their Nuptials he prepar'd
A Feast,--and all his Friends appear'd ;
Among the Rest a Youth from Town,
Much-to his Uncle's Joy came down,.
He came an unexpected Guest,
Yet not less welcome than the rest ;
But to the good Man's great Chagrin,
He'd ne'er a Bed to put him in,
But one, and that he knew for Truth
Was haunted,--so inform'd the Youth,
But he whose Breast with Courage glow'd,
Not the least Kind of Terror show'd,
Reply'd--These Tales my Bosom fire,
And such a Room I much desire,
The Guests broke up, the Servant Maid
To warm the Bed went much afraid,
And often chang'd her rosy Hue,
As Fancy tipt the Flame with blue.
The Youth undress'd,-was cover'd o'er,
And wearied,-soon began to snore ;
But slept not long,-at dead of Night,
The creaking Door proclaim'd the Sprite ;
Rous'd with the Noise, yet void of Fear,
He saw a Female Ghost appear,
But as she talk'd around the Room,
He would not trust the doubtful Gloom,
For then the Taper's dying Light,
Could not assure him he was right :
Conquer'd at last he hid his head,
The Spectre straitway sought the Bed,
Rais'd up the Cloaths, and by his Side,
Lay down like any loving Bride ;.
He thought the Guest now much too near,
So crept to the other Side for fear ;
But lying still--he soon perceiv'd
It was no Ghost, he found she breath'd :
Then banishing all Fear of Harm
He seiz'd her hand and found it warm,
Took off her Ring, but nought beside
He touch'd, or else the Youth's bely'd.
She started up; and as before,
Thrice walk'd the Room then shut the Door.
No sooner did the Morn appear,
Than all were met the Youth to hear,
Expecting that he would recite,
The dreadful Visions of the Night.
The modest Youth then bowing low,
Beg'd of th' assembled Fair to know,
Which of them all a Ring had lost.
With Diamonds set : a Ring of Cost,
The Yeoman's Daughter glad to gain,
What she much valu'd once again,
Replied 'tis mine,--then you my Dear
Was the kind Ghost that did appear ;
The Secret I'll no longer keep ;
But what you did was done asleep.
Then told the Story to them all,
And Mirth and Laughter shook the Hall.
The Father pleas'd, by Becket's Head
Swore, he that Night with her should bed :
For, faith my Friends, I think it Right,
She went to Bed to him last Night,
A Thousand Pounds my Daughter's Portion,
What says my Nephew to the Motion :
The Youth was pleas'd,the Maid consented,
All were rejoic'd, and all contented.

BRISTOL, Feb. 19, 1767.
S.