Winthrop Mackworth Praed

Winthrop Mackworth Praed was an English poet and politician, known for his lightly satirical verse. Praed was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he gained a reputation as a writer of humorous verse, and he later became a barrister and a Member of Parliament. He contributed to various literary magazines and co-founded the Etonian and the Bon-Mot. His poetry often focused on social themes and was appreciated for its wit and elegance. Praed passed away at a young age of 37.

July 26, 1802

July 15, 1839

English

Belle Of The Ball, The

Years, years ago, ere yet my dreams
    Had been of being wise and witty,
Ere I had done with writing themes,
    Or yawn'd o'er this infernal Chitty;
Years, years ago, while all my joy
    Was in my fowling-piece and filly:
In short, while I was yet a boy,
    I fell in love with Laura Lily.

I saw her at the county ball;
    There, when the sounds of flute and fiddle
Gave signal sweet in that old hall
    Of hands across and down the middle,
Hers was the subtlest spell by far
    Of all that set young hearts romancing:
She was our queen, our rose, our star;
    And when she danced, O Heaven, her dancing!

Dark was her hair, her hand was white;
    Her voice was exquisitely tender,
Her eyes were full of liquid light;
    I never saw a...

Winthrop Mackworth Praed