Lady Mary Wortley Montagu: A Receipt to Cure the Vapours

.

The Death of the Earl

I

Why will Delia thus retire,

And Languish life away?

While the sighing Crowds admire,

’Tis too soon for Hartshorn Tea.

II

All these dismal looks and fretting

Cannot Damon’s life restore;

Long ago the worms have eat him,

You can never see him more.

The Suicide of the Countess

III

Once again consult your Toilet,

In the Glass your face Review,

So much weeping soon will spoil it,

And no Spring your Charms renew.

IV

I like you was born a Woman --

Well I know what Vapours mean,

The Disease alas! is common,

Single we have all the Spleen.

The Visit to the Quack Doctor

V

All the Morals that they tell us,

Never cur'd the Sorrow yet,

Chuse among the pretty Fellows

One of humour, Youth, and Wit.

VI

Prithee hear him ev'ry Morning

At least an hour or two,

Once again at Nights returning—

I beleive the Dose will do.

The Countess's Morning Levee

A Receipt to Cure the Vapours: Lady Mary Wortley Montague (1689-1732)

Paintings by William Hogarth, from Marriage à-la-Mode, 1743-1745 (National Gallery, London):
The Death of the Earl
The Suicide of the Countess
The Visit to the Quack Doctor

The Countess's Morning Levee

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu with her son Edward Worthy Montagu, and attendants (detail): Jean Baptiste Vanmour, c. 1717 (National Portrait Gallery, London), image by Dcoetzee, 2009