The Pearl/Volume 8/Temptation.
Papa and Mamma, Arabella and I,
Were sitting at supper with nobody by;
Now because they believe me a cozy old fellow,
They want to induce me to wed Arabella.
I like the girl well, but I don't choose to wed,
Fair Bella perceives I'm not easily led;
But while Papa told me some prosy old fable,
She was scratching her marrowbones under the table.
She look'd in my face, and on our eyes catching,
I just turn'd my head to see what she was scratching;
She had got her right ankle upon her left knee,
Up to her left garter I fairly could see.
She look'd in my face without shame or aversion,
While scratching her nakedness for my diversion;
While I sat electrifyd stuck like a fool,
She put down her petticoats easy and cool.
And ten minutes after she did it again,
Though knowing I look'd and saw it quite plain;
Come - there was a prank for a delicate virgin,
Who thought an old bachelor wanting some urging!