XXV The Fan
Maria’s aunt, who liv’d in town,
Once wrote a letter to her niece;
And sent, wrapp’d up, a new half-crown,
Besides a pretty pocket-piece.
Maria jump’d with joy, and ran
To tell her sister the good news;
She said, “I mean to buy a fan,
Come, come along with me to chuse.”
They quickly tied their hats, and talk’d
Of yellow, lilac, pink, and green;
But far the sisters had not walk’d
Before the saddest sight was seen!
Upon the ground a poor lame man,
Helpless and old, had tumbled down!
She thought no more about the fan,
But gave to him her new half-crown.