Samuel Sewall, in a world of wigs, <br />Flouted opinion in his personal hair; <br />For foppery he gave not any figs, <br />But in his right and honor took the air. <br />Thus in his naked style, though well attired, <br />He went forth in the city, or paid court <br />To Madam Winthrop, whom he much admired, <br />Most godly, but yet liberal with the port. <br /> <br />And all the town admired for two full years <br />His excellent address, his gifts of fruit, <br />Her gracious ways and delicate white ears, <br />And held the course of nature abolute. <br /> <br />But yet she bade him suffer a peruke, <br />"That One be not distinguished from the All"; <br />Delivered of herself this stern rebuke <br />Framed in the resonant language of St. Paul. <br /> <br />"Madam," he answered her, "I have a Friend <br />Furnishes me with hair out of His strength, <br />And He requires only I attend <br />Unto His charity and to its length." <br /> <br />And all the town was witness to his trust: <br />On Monday he walked out with the Widow Gibbs, <br />A pious lady of charm and notable bust, <br />Whose heart beat tolerably beneath her ribs. <br /> <br />On Saturday he wrote proposing marriage, <br />And closed, imploring that she be not cruel, <br />"Your favorable answer will oblige, <br />Madam, your humble servant, Samuel Sewall."<br /><br />Anthony Evan Hecht<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/samuel-sewall/
