Romani Woman

(included in Gentlemen's Valentines, 1811)

Note: The poem accompanying this valentine was titled "Gipsey" when it was first published in Cliff Valentines (1814). The original title is included here for historical authenticity. Elizabeth Cobbold and her intended audience were all likely white 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 the original title today as an ethnic slur, Cobbold likely would not have given much thought to its use or whether her depiction of a person from a background different than hers was respectful by our modern standards.

Cross my Hand, worthy Sir, and I’ll freely relate

What for you is inscrib’d in the Records of fate;

Whatever of magical skill you can fancy,

Of Palmistry Lines, or expert Chriomancy

I know and am skill’d in Egyptian Astronomy

But an Adept am chiefly in grave Physiognomy:

I know by the Turn of your Nose and your Chin

At Cards you must lose, and in Battle must win

By [the] lines of your Brown, and the form of your Eyes

One may venture to fancy you Valiant and wise.

What more of your Fate would you wish me to [prive]?

Would you know if your Lot is successful in Love?

A Hint shall suffice and since [myst’ry] my Trade is

That Lot you must read in the Eyes of the Ladies.