Written at the White Sulphur Springs

by Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key

A word of advice about matters and things
May be useful to people who come to these springs:
First, there's a bell in the morning that rings
To awaken the people who come to the springs,
And the folks fix their ribbons and tie up their strings,
And look very beautiful here at the springs.

There's an insect or two, called a flea, that here stings
The skins of the people who stay at the springs;
There's a broom and a half here, for nobody brings
Such implements here, to sweep out the springs;
There's a maid and a half, too, for one of them swings
Rather much to one side; for she's lame at the springs.

There's a bawling all day-but the ball at night clings
The most to my fancy of all at the springs-
To conclude, though some things here might do e'en for kings,
If you wish to fare well, say farewell to the springs.





Last updated March 30, 2023