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Poem
March 9, 1816
Richmond Enquirer
Richmond, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Humorous ballad about St. Agnes' Well near Florence, where the first spouse to drink after marriage gains lifelong dominance. Groom Claude rushes to drink first, but bride Claudina had secretly drunk from a flask at church.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
ST. AGNES' WELL.
[By Mr. Dinoull]
A story three times told of a marvelous well,
Near fair Florence city (as travelers will
To Scotland avow) is impossible;
And very much worried,
Are musical swains in its water that dwell
With all new-married couples—the story thus goes,
Which ever drinks first of the spring that there flows.
Be it husband or wife,
That one shall for life
On the other a yoke of subjection impose.
Young Claude led Claudina to the church as his bride,
And wedlock's hard knot in a twinkling was tied.
But the church's music twang
"Amen!" scarce had rang,
When the bridegroom eloped from his good woman's side.
Away, like a hare, from the hound, started he,
Till reaching the well—dropping plump on his knee,
"Dear St. Agnes," he cried,
"Let me drink of thy tide,
And the right to the breeches establish in me."
He guzzled till near bursting—again turned to guzzle:
Till the bride in pursuit reached his side with a guffaw.
Lifting briskly his head,
To the lady he said,
"I'm first at the well, spouse, so bow to the staff!"
The dame to her hubby replied with a sneer:
"That you're first at the well, after marriage, is clear;
But to save such a task,
I filled a small flask,
And took it to church in my pocket, my dear."
[By Mr. Dinoull]
A story three times told of a marvelous well,
Near fair Florence city (as travelers will
To Scotland avow) is impossible;
And very much worried,
Are musical swains in its water that dwell
With all new-married couples—the story thus goes,
Which ever drinks first of the spring that there flows.
Be it husband or wife,
That one shall for life
On the other a yoke of subjection impose.
Young Claude led Claudina to the church as his bride,
And wedlock's hard knot in a twinkling was tied.
But the church's music twang
"Amen!" scarce had rang,
When the bridegroom eloped from his good woman's side.
Away, like a hare, from the hound, started he,
Till reaching the well—dropping plump on his knee,
"Dear St. Agnes," he cried,
"Let me drink of thy tide,
And the right to the breeches establish in me."
He guzzled till near bursting—again turned to guzzle:
Till the bride in pursuit reached his side with a guffaw.
Lifting briskly his head,
To the lady he said,
"I'm first at the well, spouse, so bow to the staff!"
The dame to her hubby replied with a sneer:
"That you're first at the well, after marriage, is clear;
But to save such a task,
I filled a small flask,
And took it to church in my pocket, my dear."
What sub-type of article is it?
Ballad
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Satire Society
Marriage Celebration
What keywords are associated?
St Agnes Well
Florence
Marriage Dominance
Claude Claudina
Subjection Yoke
What entities or persons were involved?
By Mr. Dinoull
Poem Details
Title
St. Agnes' Well.
Author
By Mr. Dinoull
Subject
Story Of St. Agnes' Well And Marital Dominance
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas
Key Lines
A Story Three Times Told Of A Marvelous Well,
Near Fair Florence City (As Travelers Will
To Scotland Avow) Is Impossible;
Which Ever Drinks First Of The Spring That There Flows.
Be It Husband Or Wife,
That One Shall For Life
On The Other A Yoke Of Subjection Impose.
And Took It To Church In My Pocket, My Dear.