PHILIP FRENEAU - MODERN DEVOTION



To church I went, with good intent,

To hear Sangrado preach and pray;

But objects there, black, brown and fair,

Turned eyes and heart a different way.

Miss Patty's fan, Miss Molly's man,

With powdered hair and dimple cheek;

Miss Bridget's eyes, that once made prize

Of Fopling with his hair so sleek:

Embroidered gowns, and play-house tunes

Estranged all hearts from heaven too wide:

I felt most odd, this house of God

Should all be flutter, pomp, and pride.

Now, pray be wise, no prayers will rise

To heaven—where hearts are not sincere.

No church was made for Cupid's trade;

Then why these arts of ogling here?

Since time draws nigh, when you and I,

At church, must claim the sexton's care!—

Leave pride at home, when'er you come

To pay to heaven your offerings, there!



PHILIP FRENEAU 

THE POEMS OF PHILIP FRENEAU POET OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1907