Letter 48

Thursday 24 July 1806

Lines written by Jane Austen for the amusement of a Niece (afterwards Lady Knatchbull) on the arrival of Captn. & Mrs Austen at Godmersham Park soon after their marriage July 1806.

See they come, post haste from Thanet,

Lovely couple, side by side;

They've left behind them Richard Kennet

With the Parents of the Bride!

***

Canterbury they have passed through;

Next succeeded Stamford-bridge;

Chilham village they came fast through;

Now they've mounted yonder ridge.

***

Down the hill they're swift proceeding

Now they skirt the Park around;

Lo! The Cattle sweetly feeding

Scamper, startled at the sound!

***

Run, my Brothers, to the Pier gate!

Throw it open, very wide!

Let it not be said that we're late

In welcoming my Uncle's Bride!

***

To the house the chaise advances;

Now it stops-They're here, they're here!

How d'ye do, my Uncle Francis?

How does do your Lady dear?