A noble theme demands a noble verse, <br />In such I thank you for your fine oysters. <br />The barrel was magnificently large, <br />But, being sent to Olney at free charge, <br />Was not inserted in the driver's list, <br />And therefore overlook'd, forgot, or miss'd; <br />For, when the messenger whom we despatch'd <br />Inquir'd for oysters, Hob his noddle scratch'd; <br />Denying that his wagon or his wain <br />Did any such commodity contain. <br />In consequence of which, your welcome boon <br />Did not arrive till yesterday at noon; <br />In consequence of which some chanc'd to die, <br />And some, though very sweet, were very dry. <br />Now Madam says, (and what she says must still <br />Deserve attention, say she what she will,) <br />That what we call the diligence, be-case <br />It goes to London with a swifter pace, <br />Would better suit the carriage of your gift, <br />Returning downward with a pace as swift; <br />And therefore recommends it with this aim-- <br />To save at least three days, -- the price the same; <br />For though it will not carry or convey <br />For less than twelve pence, send whate'er you may, <br />For oyster bred upon the salt sea-shore, <br />Pack'd in a barrel, they will charge no more. <br /> <br />News have I none that I can deign to write, <br />Save that it rain'd prodigiously last night; <br />And that ourselves were, at the seventh hour, <br />Caught in the first beginning of the show'r; <br />But walking, running, and with much ado, <br />Go home -- just time enough to be wet through, <br />Yet both are well, and, wond'rous to be told, <br />Soused as we were, we yet have caught no cold, <br />And wishing just the same good hap to you, <br />We say, good Madam, and good Sir, adieu.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-mrs-newton/
