Forgetful Phillis
Georg Philipp Telemann
Phillis was asked once, why she didn't wash herself.
Why her dress burned, and she didn't stop it;
why she stands in full dress without stockings;
why she so often goes to market without money;
why she always puts the key in all the cupboards;
why the servant is not waked up yet at nine o'clock;
why her meat and bacon hang three years to smoke;
why she pays funds, with no proper receipt;
why she wants to cook, and creates no fire,
why she is already so old, and still no man;
why she sets the table and has still nothing to eat;
the response is certainly: I just forgot.