Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON A FORTIFICATION AT BOSTON BEGUN BY WOMEN, by BENJAMIN TOMPSON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON A FORTIFICATION AT BOSTON BEGUN BY WOMEN, by                    
First Line: A grand attempt some amazonian dames
Last Line: But the beginners well deserve the praise.
Subject(s): Boston; Philip, King (native American Chief); Women; Metacomet; King Philip's War (1675-76)


DUX FOEMINA FACTI

A GRAND attempt some Amazonian Dames
Contrive whereby to glorify their names,
A ruff for Boston Neck of mud and turfe,
Reaching from side to side, from surf to surf,
Their nimble hands spin up like Christmas pyes,
Their pastry by degrees on high doth rise.
The wheel at home counts it an holiday,
Since while the mistress worketh it may play.
A tribe of female hands, but manly hearts,
Forsake at home their pasty crust and tarts,
To knead the dirt, the samplers down they hurl,
Their undulating silks they closely furl.
The pick-axe one as a commandress holds,
While t'other at her awk'ness gently scolds.
One puffs and sweats, the other mutters why
Cant you promove your work so fast as I?
Some dig, some delve, and others' hands do feel
The little waggon's weight with single wheel.
And least some fainting-fits the weak surprize,
They want no sack nor cakes, they are more wise.
These brave essays draw forth male, stronger hands,
More like to dawbers than to marshal bands;
These do the work, the sturdy bulwarks raise,
But the beginners well deserve the praise.





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