A little Son and Heir

Introduction by Hester Thrale

Cecilia Mostyn set it in my Head to make these nonsensical Rondeaux She had heard—& so had I—of one made by some lady upon Two Black Eyes but we could not find it—so I made her these on a Country Girl coming to the Metropolis at this foggy Time of Year ’Tis natural enough—tho silly.

A little Sun & Air ! cries Jane
Fresh from the Breeze on Cotswold Plain;
I think at London one may have
Every fine Thing to please one—save
A little Sun and Air.
But more acquainted with the Town
Of Fops that flutter up and down
Jane got;—but did not chuse to own
A little Son and Heir.

Now on the same Lass improved into a London Demi Rep:—lets read this

Rondeau.

With two black Eyes my Fair-one blest,
Scorn of mean Suitors She protest;
And when her Maid said I might stay,
For Joy I scarce could find my Way
With two Black Eyes:
How foolish then to feign a Fright
Soon as the Servants brought some Light,
And thrust me out at Dead of Night
With two Black Eyes.

Written by Hester Lynch Thrale.
Thraliana entry dated 15 November 1804. Hester Thrale's spelling, grammar and capitalisation, some of which may not conform to today's standards, are reproduced faithfully throughout.