Benjamin

Note: This poem depicts a Jewish character. Elizabeth Cobbold and her intended audience were all likely white, Anglican people belonging to the landed gentry or wealthy merchant class of late Georgian and Regency-era England. (In other words, the top 1% of their day.) While we recognize this depiction as potentially harmful, Cobbold likely would not have given much thought to whether her depiction of a person from a background different than hers was respectful by our modern standards.

Buy of Benjamin the Jew

Pretty trinkets rare and new:

Here’s a glass that ever shews

Tint as fair as alpine snows

Tis a conscience bright and clear:

Come and view yourself my dear.

Here’s a pretty purse that still

At its owners wish can fill.

Us it bounteously and prize it

Prudence form’d the string that ties it.

Take lovers rouge the modest blush

Pearls from Pitys eyes that gush

Or more brilliant gems that shine

In good humor glance divine.

More I have and will unfold ‘em

But youll want a box to hold em.-

That best gift let Love impart

More them in a faithful heart.-