English poem
BALLAD. (Thou man of firmness turn this way)
by Anonymous
Thou man of firmness turn this way, Nor time by absence measure; The sportive dance, the sprightly lay Shall wake thee into pleasure.
Spite of thy formal outward man, Thou'rt gay, as we shall prove thee, Then cheer thee, laugh away thy span, And let the spirit move thee.
None are more just, more true, more fair, More upright in their dealings, Than men of thy persuasion are— But are they without feelings?
E'en now I know thy honest heart Full sorely doth reprove thee; Be gay then, in our mirth take part, And let the spirit move thee.
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