a space of about 30 miles, 120 dead bodies were cast ashore; and 80 sail of fishing, with 70 other boats were lost. Out of 150 ships, that were blown out of the roads, 33 were totally lost, with nearly half their crews. Nor was the destruction, occasioned by this violent storm, confined to the sea alone, although the effects of its fury were there displayed in all the excess of horror. Trees, buildings, windmills, &c. were blown down; and upwards of 400 sheep were drowned by the sea having forced the banks of the marshes. THOU merciless wind, how many like myself, Hourly thou drivest the floating carcases On Yarmouth's shore, and with a dreadful voice Stoops to receive the filial corse, flung up The Power that could have quell'd the mutinous seas: Hope o'er the strong conflicting passions sits, Bids all their tumults cease: but 'tis not so To kiss those lips, and in thine arms to find pang That rends thy bosom; think that life is still A thing too sacred to resign to heaven. Blown by some adverse wind from friends, who seek THE MELFORD DISASTER, A NEW BALLAD. To the Tune of "Tom of Bedlam." 1794. The circumstances, which gave occasion to this Ballad, are as follow: Three young Ladies of Melford agreed to bathe in a river, about half a mile distant from the town, there being no private accommodation for that purpose in the neighbourhood. An early hour, at which they would be the least liable to be discovered by strangers, was determined on; and at four o'clock in the morning they proceeded to the appointed place. But as they walked through the town, they were unfortu nately espied by a blacksmith. Curiosity prompted him to find out whither the fair-ones were hastening; but he did not discover himself to them till they were in the river, the perfect images of their primitive mother Eve; when perceiving him approach, they screamed out, and prudently sat down in the water. The modern Vulcan, dead to the distresses of these Venuses, determined to divert his uncouth fancy by carrying off their clothes, with which he did not return. In this pitiable situation they were obliged to remain for nearly an hour, when a poor woman passing that way, on hearing the rude behaviour which they had experienced, and their consequent embarrassment, procured them such necessary articles of apparel, as enabled them to return home with decency. ALL in the land of Suffolk, On the side of a bank Was play'd such a prank, To look about thee, Bury, For, the Father of Sin On Melford's reputation For scandal we did take it, When 'twas talk'd with disdain, Among the profane, That the ladies there go naked. "Twas early in the morning, Just as the sun was peeping, To a farmer's pond to creep in. Nor, look ye, were they Naiads, Long time in nature's buff-suits, Like ducks among the rushes. Nor did ye dream, ye Fair-ones, When taking such a frolic, That the sweet West wind, Tho' it blew so kind, Could give a maid the cholic. While thus, in sportive humour, They flounc'd about-God bless 'em! That villain old Nick Was playing a trick, On purpose to distress 'em. Three things as soft as pillows, And flew away like a feather. Cloaks, petticoats, and 'kerchiefs, On Satan's back suspended, With stockings and shoes, Clean out of sight he ascended. I'd sing the sequel solemn, Did Modesty allow it; But a dock leaf vest Is but ill exprest, By Painter or by Poet. Let Coventry be no longer For, Melford, thy fame Has got thee the name Of Coventry the second. |