THE UNFORTUNATE RAMBLER. Janet Little (later Richmond) Alexander Huber Editor Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BG UK
Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive
Taylor Institution Library St Giles' Oxford OX1 3NA UK info@eighteenthcenturypoetry.org https://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/
Oxford This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. T126549 Little, Janet, 1759-1813. The Poetical Works of Janet Little, the Scotch Milkmaid. Air Printed by John & Peter Wilson 1792 pp. [91]-93.

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THE UNFORTUNATE RAMBLER . LATE on an evening I chanced to roam , The night it was dark , and the streets they were dirty ; It was to attend the lov'd Celia home , Engag'd in a company jovial and hearty . I instantly hasten'd to put on my shield , The shield of indiff'rence , perhaps you may know it ; Appriz'd of the danger attending the field , I judg'd it a piece of high prudence to shew it . I went to the door of an elegant inn ; I heard who was there , and was fearful to venture : Hope to embolden me then did begin , And courage undaunted advis'd me to enter , I quickly stepp'd forward , but struck with amaze , By imminent danger I then was surrounded : Three handsome young damsels upon me did gaze , And all of a sudden , alas ! I was wounded . Their shafts were set right , and their arrows did fly ; I scarce could distinguish from whom they came thickest . By Cupid's assistance at last I did spy The person best tim'd in her motions , and quickest . Each gesture was killing , and gave me surprise ; I grop'd for my breast-plate , it from me was taken : My shield of indiff'rence had left me likewise ; My courage did fail , and my heart it was shaken . Thus finding myself in a pitiful plight ; A young maid so handsome I needs must admire : I gave a deep sigh , and I bid them goodnight ; My only expedient was – to retire . A little of absence effected the cure , So happily I of my wounds did recover ; But now at a distance to keep I'll be sure , And laugh at the fate of a vanquished lover .