In Praise of Mary Bennet

In Hertfordshire County, 

Or so we have read,

There lives a large family of which it is said,

Reside within Longbourn the home of that name,

And a singular Mother with a singular Aim.

That’s to marry five-daughters to  save future strife,

For a man of large fortune is in need of a Wife,

As poor Mr Bennet through no fault of his own,

Had fathered no Heirs, So misfortune was Sown. 

Now I seen all five girls and I’ve made up my mind,

There’s only one Bennet who has no equal you’ll find.,

The eldest is Jane, and this I’ll impart ,

Her beauty’s unmatched and so noble in Heart.

Elizabeth has Wit, Intelligence but then - from a recent event is so quick to condemn.

Lydia is Headstrong, her Will she’ll assert,

A behaviour that’s frivolous and a bit of a flirt.

Her partner it’s said, whenever mischief is bred,

And two of the silliest girls in the Country ,

Does long for Romance, in every Tunic and Dance,

So what hope do we have for young Kitty.

But let it be known that it’s Mary who shines, 

Still-waters are deceptive and deep,

A literary disposition, and more accomplished by far,

It’s to her my affections entreat.

For it’s to Mary would all my attentions and full wishes so rest.

This thought I enclose, 

Where ever in Prose,

Is there a Spirit more suitably blest.