_MAD MOLLY_,
_Well known about Cheapside, Newgate-Street,
Holborn-Bridge, &c. &c_.
Whims wild and simple lead her from her home,
'Mongst London's alleys, streets, and lanes, to roam.
When morning wakes, none earlier rous'd than she,
Pity she claims and kind humanity.
Affliction sad hath chas'd her hard,
Frailty her crime, and mis'ry her reward!
Her mind's serenity is lost and gone,
Her eyes grown languid, and she weeps alone.
And oft the gaily-passing stranger stays
His well-tim'd steps, and takes a silent gaze;
Or hears repeated, as he passes nigh,
One short, but simple word, "_Good-by!_"
A beauty once she was in life's gay morn;
Fled now's her beauty, and she's left forlorn.
Once was she happy, calm, and free,
Now lives in woe, in rags, and misery.
A revolution too hath taken place,
In manners, actions, and grimace.
Unlawful love has marr'd her former peace,
Quick vanish'd hope; and left her comfortless!
She merits every kind protecting care:
Of generous bounty let her have her share.
Childish and trivial now are all her ways;
In peace, oh! let her live; with comfort end her days.