The Ruined Maid

"O 'Melia, my dear, this does everything crown! Who could have supposed I should meet you in Town? And whence such fair garments, such prosperi-ty?"- "O didn't you know I'd been ruined?" said she. -"You left us in tatters, without shoes or socks, Tired of digging potatoes, and spudding up docks; And now you've gay bracelets and bright feathers three!"- "Yes: that's how we dress when we're ruined," said she. -"At home in the barton you said 'thee' and 'thou,' And 'thik oon' and 'theäs oon' and 't'other'; but now Your talking quite fits 'ee for high compan-ny!"- "Some polish is gained with one's ruin," said she. -"Your hands were like paws then, you face blue and bleak But now I'm bewitched by your delicate cheek, And your little gloves fit as on any la-dy!"- "We never do work when we're ruined," said she. -"You used to call home-life a hag-ridden dream, And you'd sigh, and you'd sock; but at present you seem To know not of megrims or melancho-ly!"- "True. One's pretty lively when ruined," said she. -"I wish I had feathers, a fine sweeping gown, And a delicate face, and could strut about Town"- "My dear - raw country girl, such as you be, Cannot quite expect that. You ain't ruined," said she.