The day is set, the ladies met,
And at the frame are seated;
In order plac'd, they work in haste,
To get the quilt completed.
While fingers fly, their tongues they ply,
And animate their labors,
By counting beaux, discussing clothes,
Or talking of their neighbors.
"Dear, what a pretty frock you've on--"
"I'm very glad you like it."
"I'm told that Miss Micomicon
Don't speak to Mr. Micat."
"I saw Miss Bell the other day,
Young Green's new gig adorning--"
"What keeps your sister Ann away?"
"She went to town this morning."
"'Tis time to roll"--"my needle's broke--"
"So Martin's stock is selling;"-
"Louisa's wedding-gown's bespoke--"
"Lend me your scissors, Ellen."
"_That_ match will never come about--"
"Now don't fly in a passion;"
"Hair-puffs, they say, are going out--"
"Yes, curls are all in fashion."
The quilt is done, the tea begun-
The beaux are all collecting;
The table's cleared, the music heard-
His partner each selecting.
The merry band in order stand,
The dance begins with vigor;
And rapid feet the measure beat,
And trip the mazy figure.
Unheeded fly the moments by,
Old Time himself seems dancing,
Till night's dull eye is op'd to spy
The steps of morn advancing.
Then closely stowed, to each abode,
The carriages go tilting;
And many a dream has for its theme
The pleasures of the Quilting.