New Fashions

There was a time when death was terror,
Something harsh in every ear,
The tear left on the cheek a furrow,
And every breath was drawn with fear;
Now the pall soon dies away,
Bury the dead and all be gay.

There was a time 'twas rare to marry,
Wedding was a strange delight,
And the bride became a fairy,
And the bridegroom an oddly sight;
Now the comic scenes are o'er,
And wedding flows from door to door.

There was a time that rare was danger,
Dirks and pistols slept profound,
Thus sustain the harmless stranger,
And the peasant was renowned;
Now all cry take care cut throat,
Long moustaches, caps and boots.

There was a time when rules were riches,
Wives and husbands knew their own;
Women seldom wore the breeches,
Left their husbands' ploughs alone;
Now tobacco rules have crossed,
And no one knows which chaws the most.

There was a time when peace was plenty,
All the world could harmonize;
Few complained, not one in twenty,
Of good peas and pumpkin pies;
Soda shortens now the meal,
Else you'll hear a dreadful peal.

There was a time when debts were paid up,
Money was not then to make,
Nor for distant fortune laid up,
Down the credit or the break;
Now insolvent pleas are made,
Take once the oath the debt is paid.

There was a time when health was nourished,
And brandy was not but a name,
Thrifty men by labor flourished,
And prudence mounted into fame;
Now large drinks all health oppose,
Man drinks awhile and down he goes.

There was a time when ladies swore not,
Teasing their husbands for a dram,
Draughts of gin their bosoms bore not,
Effusing from their lips a damn;
Now they swear, they drink and boast,
And the fairest drink the most.

There was a time when girls were fearful,
Slow and backward truly proud,
Men in conversation careful,
True they laughed but seldom loud;
Now their fear they all have lost,
And they solicit far the most.