ALCANZAR. 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. [180]-183.

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ALCANZAR . WHEN first Alcanzar to the town did come , The people all believ'd that he was dumb : In troops , with hasty steps to him they went ; To get their fate presag'd was their intent . The man well vers'd was in the mystic art , And quick as thought could wondrous things impart . Whoever were with anxious cares oppress'd , Or on account of absent friends distress'd , Unto Alcanzar swiftly did repair , Each of his purse did amply make him share . It matters not how great the distance be , A ship is rear'd , he wafts him o'er the sea : Tho' in distress , them frees from ev'ry pain ; Dead or alive they now must cross the main : Bedaub'd with lace , of gold they've got great store , And swift he lands them on Britannia's shore . The nymphs and swains do next his aid demand ; He ties them all in Hymen's silken band : He does young Strephon with lov'd Delia bless , Tho' wont ere while to shun his fond address . Sly Sanders too , who loves and woos for gold , Sees Susan's charms down on the table told : Cows , calves and horses , plac'd before his sight , A widow rich will well his love requite . Poor Celia next , who , for some fickle swain , Spends days in sorrow , and whole nights in pain : It was his absence caus'd the maid to mourn , But fam'd Alcanzar made him soon return . His antic gestures did the fair one cheer , And home she went , releas'd from every fear . Old Elspa now comes trembling for her fate ; She would be wed , but fears it is too late : Her locks , alas ! are silver'd o'er with grey ; Yet to Alcanzar swift she takes her way . She gave a sixpence ; Ladies mark the rest , She's with a husband and five children blest . Here maids of fifty , widows of fourscore , May all get marri'd for a penny more . But is the man like as his merit priz'd ? Ah no ! he is by empty fools despis'd . A crafty youth , Will Watson was his name , Did strive to ruin great Alcanzar's fame . He dress'd himself all in a maid's array , Gown , stays and petticoat , extremely gay ; A muslin head-dress , with a large toopee ; Few of our Ladies look'd so fine as he . Up street he walk'd with a majestic air , And to Alcanzar's lodgings did repair . First gave a penny , then he shew'd his hand , And did with down cast eyes dejected stand : But who can tell the sequel without tears ? Alcanzar's chalk too soon a cradle rears . Who wont bewail this maid's sad destiny ? She pregnant proves , her love gone to sea . Now all around upon the youth did gaze , Such dismal signs had fill'd them with amaze . Will gave a penny more ; the sage did bring The lover home , and wed them with a ring . Eight children too , he plac'd before their sight Will seem'd well pleased , and bade them all good night . This might have pass'd , had he the fact conceal'd ; But O 'twas cruel ! Willy all reveal'd . He thought indeed , but all his thoughts were vain , The fam'd Alcanzar's character to stain . For one spoil'd dish who would a meal despise ! Or for one small mistake condemn the wise ?