The pleasures of a Single Life or, the miseries of Matrimony. Occasionally Writ Upon the many Divorces lately Granted by Parliament. With the choice, or, the Pleasures of a Country-Life. Dedicated to the Beaus against the next Vacation [by Edward Ward] |
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 | The pleasures of a Single Life |  |
2
THE Pleasures of a Single LIFE,
OR; The Miseries of Matrimony: Occasionally writ upon the many DIVORCES lately Granted by Parliament.
Wedlock, Oh! Curs'd uncomfortable State,
Cause of my Woes, and Object of my hate.
How bless'd was I? Ah, once how happy me?
When I from those uneasie Bonds was free;
How calm my Joys? How peaceful was my Breast,
Till with thy fatal Cares too soon opprest,
The World seem'd Paradice, so bless'd the Soil
Wherein I liv'd, that Bus'ness was no toil;
Life was a Comfort, which produc'd each day
New Joys, that still preserv'd me from decay,
Thus Heav'n first launch'd me into pacifick Seas,
Where free from Storms I mov'd with gentle breeze;
My Sails proportion'd, and my Vessel tite,
Coasting in Pleasures-Bay I steer'd aright,
Pallac'd with true Content, and fraighted with delight
Cause of my Woes, and Object of my hate.
How bless'd was I? Ah, once how happy me?
When I from those uneasie Bonds was free;
How calm my Joys? How peaceful was my Breast,
Till with thy fatal Cares too soon opprest,
The World seem'd Paradice, so bless'd the Soil
Wherein I liv'd, that Bus'ness was no toil;
Life was a Comfort, which produc'd each day
New Joys, that still preserv'd me from decay,
Thus Heav'n first launch'd me into pacifick Seas,
Where free from Storms I mov'd with gentle breeze;
My Sails proportion'd, and my Vessel tite,
Coasting in Pleasures-Bay I steer'd aright,
Pallac'd with true Content, and fraighted with delight
Books my Companions were, wherein I found
Needful Advice, without a noisy Sound,
But was with friendly pleasing Silence taught,
Wisdom's best Rules, to fructify my Thought,
Rais'd up our Sage Fore-fathers from the dead,
And when I pleas'd, invok'd 'em to my Aid,
Who at my Study-Bar without a Fee would plead:
Whilst I Chief Justice sat, heard all their Sutes,
And gave My Judgment ont their learn'd Disputes;
Strove to determine ev'ry Cause aright,
And for my Pains found Profit and Delight,
Free from Partiality; I fear'd no Blame,
Desir'd no Brib'ry, and deserv'd no Shame.
But like an upright Judge, grudg'd no Expence
Of time, to fathom Truth with diligence,
Reading by Day, Contemplating by Night,
Till Conscience told me that I judg'd aright,
Then to my Paper-World I'd have recourse,
And by my Maps run o'er the Universe;
Sail round the Globe, and touch at every Port,
Survey those Shoars where Men untam'd resort,
View the old Regions where the Persian Lord
Taught Wooden Deities first to be Ador'd,
Ensnar'd at last to Sacrifice his Life
To the base Pride of an Adult'rous Wife,
And where the Grecian Youth to Arms inur'd,
The hungry Soil with Persian Blood manur'd,
Where bold Busephilus brutal Conduct show'd,
The force of monstrous Elephants withstood,
And with his Rider waded through a purple Flood.
Needful Advice, without a noisy Sound,
But was with friendly pleasing Silence taught,
Wisdom's best Rules, to fructify my Thought,
Rais'd up our Sage Fore-fathers from the dead,
And when I pleas'd, invok'd 'em to my Aid,
Who at my Study-Bar without a Fee would plead:
Whilst I Chief Justice sat, heard all their Sutes,
And gave My Judgment ont their learn'd Disputes;
Strove to determine ev'ry Cause aright,
And for my Pains found Profit and Delight,
Free from Partiality; I fear'd no Blame,
Desir'd no Brib'ry, and deserv'd no Shame.
3
Of time, to fathom Truth with diligence,
Reading by Day, Contemplating by Night,
Till Conscience told me that I judg'd aright,
Then to my Paper-World I'd have recourse,
And by my Maps run o'er the Universe;
Sail round the Globe, and touch at every Port,
Survey those Shoars where Men untam'd resort,
View the old Regions where the Persian Lord
Taught Wooden Deities first to be Ador'd,
Ensnar'd at last to Sacrifice his Life
To the base Pride of an Adult'rous Wife,
And where the Grecian Youth to Arms inur'd,
The hungry Soil with Persian Blood manur'd,
Where bold Busephilus brutal Conduct show'd,
The force of monstrous Elephants withstood,
And with his Rider waded through a purple Flood.
Then would I next the Roman Field survey,
Where brave Fabricius with his Army lay;
Fam'd for his Valour, from Corruption free,
Made up of Courage and Humility.
That when Encamp'd the Good Man loaly bent,
Cook'd his own Cabbage in his homely Tent:
And when the Samaites sent a Golden Sum,
To tempt him to betray his Country Rome,
The Dross he scoffingly return'd untold,
And Answer'd with a Look serenely bold,
That Roman Sprouts would boil without their Grecian Gold:
Then eat his Cale-worts for his Meal design'd,
And beat the Grecian Army when he'd din'd.
Where brave Fabricius with his Army lay;
Fam'd for his Valour, from Corruption free,
Made up of Courage and Humility.
That when Encamp'd the Good Man loaly bent,
Cook'd his own Cabbage in his homely Tent:
And when the Samaites sent a Golden Sum,
To tempt him to betray his Country Rome,
The Dross he scoffingly return'd untold,
And Answer'd with a Look serenely bold,
That Roman Sprouts would boil without their Grecian Gold:
Then eat his Cale-worts for his Meal design'd,
And beat the Grecian Army when he'd din'd.
Thus would I range the World from Pole to Pole,
To encrease my Knowledge, and delight my Soul;
Travel all Nations, and imform my Sence;
With ease and safety, at a small Expence:
No Storms to plough, no passengers-Sums to pay,
No Horse to hire, or Guide to show the way,
No Alps to clime, no Deserts here to pass,
No Ambuscades, no Thieve to give me chase;
No Bear to dread, or rav'nous Wolf to fight,
No Flies to sting, no Rattle-Snakes to bite;
No Floods to Ford, no Hurricans to fear;
No dreadful Thunder to surprize the Ear;
No Winds to freeze, no Sun to scorch or fry,
No Thirst, or Hunger, and Relief not nigh.
All these Fatigues and Mischiefs could I shun;
Rest when I pleas'd, and when I pleas'd Jog on,
And Travel through both Indies in an Afternoon.
To encrease my Knowledge, and delight my Soul;
Travel all Nations, and imform my Sence;
With ease and safety, at a small Expence:
No Storms to plough, no passengers-Sums to pay,
No Horse to hire, or Guide to show the way,
No Alps to clime, no Deserts here to pass,
No Ambuscades, no Thieve to give me chase;
4
No Flies to sting, no Rattle-Snakes to bite;
No Floods to Ford, no Hurricans to fear;
No dreadful Thunder to surprize the Ear;
No Winds to freeze, no Sun to scorch or fry,
No Thirst, or Hunger, and Relief not nigh.
All these Fatigues and Mischiefs could I shun;
Rest when I pleas'd, and when I pleas'd Jog on,
And Travel through both Indies in an Afternoon.
When the Day thus far pleasingly was spent,
And every Hour admin'stred Content,
Then would I range the Fields, and flowry Meads,
Where Nature her exub'rant Bounty spreads,
In whose delightful Products does appear
Inimitable Beauty ev'ry where;
Contemplate on each Plant, and useful Weed,
And how its form first lay involv'd in Seed,
How they're preserv'd by Providential Care,
For what design'd, and what their Virtues are.
Thus to my Mind by dint of Reason prove,
That all below his Ow'd to Heaven above,
And that no Earthly Temporals can be,
But what must Center in Eternitie.
Then gaze a loft whence all things had their Birth,
And mount my prying Soul 'twixt Heaven and Earth,
Thus the sweet Harmony o'th' whole admire,
And by due search new Learning still acquire,
So nearer ev'ry day to Truths divine aspire.
And every Hour admin'stred Content,
Then would I range the Fields, and flowry Meads,
Where Nature her exub'rant Bounty spreads,
In whose delightful Products does appear
Inimitable Beauty ev'ry where;
Contemplate on each Plant, and useful Weed,
And how its form first lay involv'd in Seed,
How they're preserv'd by Providential Care,
For what design'd, and what their Virtues are.
Thus to my Mind by dint of Reason prove,
That all below his Ow'd to Heaven above,
And that no Earthly Temporals can be,
But what must Center in Eternitie.
Then gaze a loft whence all things had their Birth,
And mount my prying Soul 'twixt Heaven and Earth,
Thus the sweet Harmony o'th' whole admire,
And by due search new Learning still acquire,
So nearer ev'ry day to Truths divine aspire.
When tir'd with Thought, then from my Pocket pluck
Some friendly dear Companion of a Book,
Whose Homely Calves-Skin fences did contain
The Verbal Treasure of some Old Good Man:
Made by long study and Experience wise,
Whose piercing Thoughts to Heavenly knowledge rise,
Amongst whose Pious Reliques I would find,
Rules for my Life, Rich Banquets for my mind,
Such pleasing Nectar, such Eternal Food,
That well digested, makes a Man a God;
And for his use at the same time prepares
On Earth a Heav'n in spight of wordly Cares,
The day in these Enjoyments would I spend,
But chuse at Night my Bottle and my Friend,
Took prudent care that neither were abus'd,
But with due moderation both I us'd.
And in one sober Pint found more delight,
Then the insatiate Sot that swills all Night;
Ne'er drown my Senses, or my Soul debase,
Or drink beyond the relish of my blass
For in Excess good Heav'ns design is Crost,
In all Extreams the true Enjoyments lost,
Wine chears the Heart, and elevates the Soul,
But if we surfeit with too large a Bowl,
Wanting true Aim we th'happy Mark o'er Shoot,
And change the Heavenly Image to a Brute.
So the great Grecian who the World subdu'd,
And drown'd whole Nations in a Sea of Blood;
At last was Conquer'd by the Power of Wine,
And dy'd a Drunken Victime to the Vine.
My Friend, and I, when o'er our Bottle sat,
Mix'd with each Glass some inoffensive Chat,
Talk'd of the World's Affairs, but still kept free
From Passion, Zeal, or Partiality;
With honest freedom did our thoughts dispense,
And judg'd of all things with indifference;
Till time at last did our Delights invade,
And in due season Separation made,
Then without Envy, Discord or Deceit,
Part like true Friends as Loving as we meet,
The Tavern change to a Domestick Scene,
That sweet Retirement, tho' it's ne'er so mean.
Thus leave each other in other in a Chearful Plight,
T'enjoy the silent Pleasures of the Night,
When home return'd, my Thanks to Heaven pay,
For all the past kind Blessing of the Day;
No haughty Help-Mate to my Peace molest,
No treacherous Snake to harbour in my breast:
No Fawning Mistress of the Female Art,
With Judas Kisses to betray my Heart;
No light-tail'd Hypocrite to raise my Fears;
No vile Impert'nence to torment my Ears;
No molted Off-spring to distùrb my Thought,
In Wedlock born but G---d knows where begot;
No lustful Massalina to require
Whole Troops of Men to feed her Brutal Fire?
No Family-Cares my quiet to disturb;
No head-strong Humours to asswage, or Curb
No Jaring Servants, no Domesticks Strife,
No Jilt, no Termagent, no Faithless Wife,
With Vinegar, or Gall, to sowre or bitter Life.
Some friendly dear Companion of a Book,
Whose Homely Calves-Skin fences did contain
The Verbal Treasure of some Old Good Man:
Made by long study and Experience wise,
Whose piercing Thoughts to Heavenly knowledge rise,
Amongst whose Pious Reliques I would find,
Rules for my Life, Rich Banquets for my mind,
Such pleasing Nectar, such Eternal Food,
That well digested, makes a Man a God;
5
On Earth a Heav'n in spight of wordly Cares,
The day in these Enjoyments would I spend,
But chuse at Night my Bottle and my Friend,
Took prudent care that neither were abus'd,
But with due moderation both I us'd.
And in one sober Pint found more delight,
Then the insatiate Sot that swills all Night;
Ne'er drown my Senses, or my Soul debase,
Or drink beyond the relish of my blass
For in Excess good Heav'ns design is Crost,
In all Extreams the true Enjoyments lost,
Wine chears the Heart, and elevates the Soul,
But if we surfeit with too large a Bowl,
Wanting true Aim we th'happy Mark o'er Shoot,
And change the Heavenly Image to a Brute.
So the great Grecian who the World subdu'd,
And drown'd whole Nations in a Sea of Blood;
At last was Conquer'd by the Power of Wine,
And dy'd a Drunken Victime to the Vine.
My Friend, and I, when o'er our Bottle sat,
Mix'd with each Glass some inoffensive Chat,
Talk'd of the World's Affairs, but still kept free
From Passion, Zeal, or Partiality;
With honest freedom did our thoughts dispense,
And judg'd of all things with indifference;
Till time at last did our Delights invade,
And in due season Separation made,
Then without Envy, Discord or Deceit,
Part like true Friends as Loving as we meet,
The Tavern change to a Domestick Scene,
That sweet Retirement, tho' it's ne'er so mean.
Thus leave each other in other in a Chearful Plight,
T'enjoy the silent Pleasures of the Night,
When home return'd, my Thanks to Heaven pay,
For all the past kind Blessing of the Day;
No haughty Help-Mate to my Peace molest,
No treacherous Snake to harbour in my breast:
6
With Judas Kisses to betray my Heart;
No light-tail'd Hypocrite to raise my Fears;
No vile Impert'nence to torment my Ears;
No molted Off-spring to distùrb my Thought,
In Wedlock born but G---d knows where begot;
No lustful Massalina to require
Whole Troops of Men to feed her Brutal Fire?
No Family-Cares my quiet to disturb;
No head-strong Humours to asswage, or Curb
No Jaring Servants, no Domesticks Strife,
No Jilt, no Termagent, no Faithless Wife,
With Vinegar, or Gall, to sowre or bitter Life.
Thus freed from all that cou'd my Mind annoy,
Alone my self, I did my self enjoy:
When Nature call'd, I laid me down to rest,
With a Sound Body, and a Peaceful Breast;
Hours of Repose with constancy I kept,
And Guardian Angels watch'd me as I slept,
In lively Dreams reviving as I lay,
The Pleasures of the last precedent day,
Thus whilst I singly liv'd, did I possess,
By day and night incessant happiness,
Content enjoy'd awak'd, and Sleeping found no less.
Alone my self, I did my self enjoy:
When Nature call'd, I laid me down to rest,
With a Sound Body, and a Peaceful Breast;
Hours of Repose with constancy I kept,
And Guardian Angels watch'd me as I slept,
In lively Dreams reviving as I lay,
The Pleasures of the last precedent day,
Thus whilst I singly liv'd, did I possess,
By day and night incessant happiness,
Content enjoy'd awak'd, and Sleeping found no less.
But the Curs'd Fiend from Hell's dire Regions sent,
Ranging the World to Man's destruction bent,
Who with an Envious Pride beholding me,
Advanc'd by Vertue to Felicity,
Resolv'd his own Eternal wretched State,
Should be in part reveng'd by my sad Fate;
And to at once my happy Life betray,
Flung Woman, faithless Woman in my way:
Beauty she had a seeming modest Mein,
All Charms without, but Devil all within,
Which did not yet appear, but lurk'd, alas, unseen.
A fair Complexion far exceeding Paint,
Black sleepy Eyes that would have Charm'd a Saint;
Her Lips so soft and sweet, that ev'ry Kiss,
Seem'd a short Tast of the Eternal Bliss;
Her set of Teeth so Regular and White,
They'd show their Lustre in the darkest Night;
Round her Seraphick Face so fair and young,
Her Sable Hair in careless Dresses hung,
Which added to her beauteous Features, show'd
Like some fair Angel peeping through a Cloud?
Her Breasts, her Hands, and every Charm so bright,
She seem'd a Sun by Day, a Moon by Night;
Her Shape so ravishing, that every Part,
Proportion'd was to th'nicest Rules of Art:
So awful was her Carriage when she mov'd,
None could behod her but he fear'd and Lov'd,
She Danc'd well, Sung well, finely play'd the Lute,
Was alwayas witty in her Words, or Mute;
Obliging, not reserv'd, nor yet to free,
But as a Maid divinely bless'd should be;
Not vainly gay, but decent in Attire,
She seem'd so Good, she could no more acquire
Of Heaven, than what she had, & Man no more desire:
Fortune, like God and Nature too, was kind,
And to these Gifts a copious Sum had joyn'd.
Who could the Power of such Temptations shun,
What frozen Synick from her Charms could run:
What Cloister'd Monk could see a Face so bright,
But quit his Beads, and follow Beauty's Light,
And by its Lustre hope to shun Eternal Night.
I so bewitch'd, and Poyson'd with her Charms,
Believ'd the utmost Heaven was in her Arms,
Methoughts the Goodness, in her Eyes I see,
Spoke her the Off-spring of some Deity.
Now Books, and Walks, would no content afford,
She was the only Good to be ador'd.
In her fair Looks alone delight I found,
Loves raging Storms all other Joys had drown'd.
By Beauty's Ignis Fatuus led astray,
Bound for content I lost my happy way
Of Reasons faithful Pilot now bereft,
Was amongst Rocks and Shelves in danger left,
There must have perish'd, as I fondly thought,
Lest her kind Usage my Salvation wrought;
Her happy aid I labour'd to obtain,
Hop'd for Success, yet fear'd her sad disdain,
Tortur'd like Dying Convicts whilst they live,
'Twixt fear of Death, and hopes of a Reprive.
First for her smallest Favours did I sue,
Crept, Fawn'd and Cring'd as Lovers us'd to do?
Sigh'd e'er, I spoke, and when I Spoke, look'd Pale,
In Words confus'd disclos'd my mournful Tale?
Unpractised and Amour's fine Speeches coin'd,
But could not utter what I well design'd.
Warm'd by her Charms 'gainst Bashfulness I strove,
An trembling sat, and stammer'd out my Love;
Told her how greatly I admir'd and fear'd,
Which she 'twixt Coyness, and Compassion heard,
Grutch'd no expence of Money, or of Time,
And thought that not to adore her was a Crime;
The more each Visit I acquainted grew,
Yet every time found something in her new.
Who was above her Sex so fortunate,
She had a Charm for Man in every State;
Beauty for th'Youthful, Prudence for the Old,
Scripture for the Godly, for the Miser Gold;
Wit for th'Ingenious, silence for the Grave,
Flatt'ry for th'Fool, and Cunning for the Knave:
Compounded thus of such Varieties,
She had a Knack to every Temper please,
And as her self thought fit was every one of these.
I lov'd, I sigh'd, and vow'd, talk'd, whin'd, and pray'd,
And at her Feet my panting heart I lay'd;
She smil'd, then frown'd, was now reserv'd, then free,
And as she plaid her part oft chang'd her Key;
Not through Fantastick Humour but design,
To try me throughly e'er she should be mine,
Because she wanted in one Man to have,
A Husband, Lover, Cuckold and a Slave.
So Travellers before a Horse they buy,
His Speed, his Paces, and his Temper try,
Whether he'll answer Whip and Spur, thence Judge,
If the poor Beast will prove a patient Drudge:
When she by Wiles had heightned my Desire,
And fain'd Loves sparkles to a raging Fire;
Made now for Wedlock, or for Bedlam fit,
Thus Passion gain'd the upper-hand of Wit,
The Dame by pity, or by Interest mov'd,
Or else by Lust, pretended now she lov'd;
After long sufferings, her Consent I got,
To make me happy, as I hop'd and thought,
But oh, the Wretched hour I ty'd the Gordian Knot.
Ranging the World to Man's destruction bent,
Who with an Envious Pride beholding me,
Advanc'd by Vertue to Felicity,
Resolv'd his own Eternal wretched State,
Should be in part reveng'd by my sad Fate;
And to at once my happy Life betray,
Flung Woman, faithless Woman in my way:
Beauty she had a seeming modest Mein,
All Charms without, but Devil all within,
Which did not yet appear, but lurk'd, alas, unseen.
A fair Complexion far exceeding Paint,
Black sleepy Eyes that would have Charm'd a Saint;
Her Lips so soft and sweet, that ev'ry Kiss,
Seem'd a short Tast of the Eternal Bliss;
7
They'd show their Lustre in the darkest Night;
Round her Seraphick Face so fair and young,
Her Sable Hair in careless Dresses hung,
Which added to her beauteous Features, show'd
Like some fair Angel peeping through a Cloud?
Her Breasts, her Hands, and every Charm so bright,
She seem'd a Sun by Day, a Moon by Night;
Her Shape so ravishing, that every Part,
Proportion'd was to th'nicest Rules of Art:
So awful was her Carriage when she mov'd,
None could behod her but he fear'd and Lov'd,
She Danc'd well, Sung well, finely play'd the Lute,
Was alwayas witty in her Words, or Mute;
Obliging, not reserv'd, nor yet to free,
But as a Maid divinely bless'd should be;
Not vainly gay, but decent in Attire,
She seem'd so Good, she could no more acquire
Of Heaven, than what she had, & Man no more desire:
Fortune, like God and Nature too, was kind,
And to these Gifts a copious Sum had joyn'd.
Who could the Power of such Temptations shun,
What frozen Synick from her Charms could run:
What Cloister'd Monk could see a Face so bright,
But quit his Beads, and follow Beauty's Light,
And by its Lustre hope to shun Eternal Night.
I so bewitch'd, and Poyson'd with her Charms,
Believ'd the utmost Heaven was in her Arms,
Methoughts the Goodness, in her Eyes I see,
Spoke her the Off-spring of some Deity.
Now Books, and Walks, would no content afford,
She was the only Good to be ador'd.
In her fair Looks alone delight I found,
Loves raging Storms all other Joys had drown'd.
By Beauty's Ignis Fatuus led astray,
Bound for content I lost my happy way
Of Reasons faithful Pilot now bereft,
Was amongst Rocks and Shelves in danger left,
8
Lest her kind Usage my Salvation wrought;
Her happy aid I labour'd to obtain,
Hop'd for Success, yet fear'd her sad disdain,
Tortur'd like Dying Convicts whilst they live,
'Twixt fear of Death, and hopes of a Reprive.
First for her smallest Favours did I sue,
Crept, Fawn'd and Cring'd as Lovers us'd to do?
Sigh'd e'er, I spoke, and when I Spoke, look'd Pale,
In Words confus'd disclos'd my mournful Tale?
Unpractised and Amour's fine Speeches coin'd,
But could not utter what I well design'd.
Warm'd by her Charms 'gainst Bashfulness I strove,
An trembling sat, and stammer'd out my Love;
Told her how greatly I admir'd and fear'd,
Which she 'twixt Coyness, and Compassion heard,
Grutch'd no expence of Money, or of Time,
And thought that not to adore her was a Crime;
The more each Visit I acquainted grew,
Yet every time found something in her new.
Who was above her Sex so fortunate,
She had a Charm for Man in every State;
Beauty for th'Youthful, Prudence for the Old,
Scripture for the Godly, for the Miser Gold;
Wit for th'Ingenious, silence for the Grave,
Flatt'ry for th'Fool, and Cunning for the Knave:
Compounded thus of such Varieties,
She had a Knack to every Temper please,
And as her self thought fit was every one of these.
I lov'd, I sigh'd, and vow'd, talk'd, whin'd, and pray'd,
And at her Feet my panting heart I lay'd;
She smil'd, then frown'd, was now reserv'd, then free,
And as she plaid her part oft chang'd her Key;
Not through Fantastick Humour but design,
To try me throughly e'er she should be mine,
Because she wanted in one Man to have,
A Husband, Lover, Cuckold and a Slave.
So Travellers before a Horse they buy,
His Speed, his Paces, and his Temper try,
9
If the poor Beast will prove a patient Drudge:
When she by Wiles had heightned my Desire,
And fain'd Loves sparkles to a raging Fire;
Made now for Wedlock, or for Bedlam fit,
Thus Passion gain'd the upper-hand of Wit,
The Dame by pity, or by Interest mov'd,
Or else by Lust, pretended now she lov'd;
After long sufferings, her Consent I got,
To make me happy, as I hop'd and thought,
But oh, the Wretched hour I ty'd the Gordian Knot.
Thus thro' mistake I rashly plung'd my Life
Into that Gulph of Miseries a Wife.
With joyful Arms I thus embrac'd my Fate,
Believ'd too soon, was undeceiv'd too late;
So hair-brain'd fools to Indian Climates rove,
With a vain hope their Fortunes to improve;
There spend their slender Cargoes, then become
Worse Slaves abroad than e'er they were at home
When a few Weeks were wasted I compar'd,
With all due moderation and regard,
My former freedom, with my new restraint,
Judging which State afforded most content,
But found a single Life as calm and gay,
As the delightful Month of Blooming May,
Not chill'd with Cold, or Scorch'd with to much Heat,
Not plag'd with flying Dust, nor drown'd with Wet,
But pleasing to the Eyes, and to the Nostrils sweet.
Into that Gulph of Miseries a Wife.
With joyful Arms I thus embrac'd my Fate,
Believ'd too soon, was undeceiv'd too late;
So hair-brain'd fools to Indian Climates rove,
With a vain hope their Fortunes to improve;
There spend their slender Cargoes, then become
Worse Slaves abroad than e'er they were at home
When a few Weeks were wasted I compar'd,
With all due moderation and regard,
My former freedom, with my new restraint,
Judging which State afforded most content,
But found a single Life as calm and gay,
As the delightful Month of Blooming May,
Not chill'd with Cold, or Scorch'd with to much Heat,
Not plag'd with flying Dust, nor drown'd with Wet,
But pleasing to the Eyes, and to the Nostrils sweet.
But Wedlock's like the Blustring Month of March,
That does the Body's Maims and Bruises search,
Brings by Cold, nipping Storms unwelcome Pains,
And finds, or breeds, Distempers in our Veins;
Renews old Sores, and hastens on decay,
And seldoms does afford one pleasant Day.
But Clouds dissolve, or raging Tempest blow,
And untile Houses like the wrangling Shrow;
Thus March and Marriage justly may be said,
To be alike, then sure the Man is Mad,
That loves such Changling Weather where the best is bad.
That does the Body's Maims and Bruises search,
Brings by Cold, nipping Storms unwelcome Pains,
And finds, or breeds, Distempers in our Veins;
Renews old Sores, and hastens on decay,
And seldoms does afford one pleasant Day.
But Clouds dissolve, or raging Tempest blow,
And untile Houses like the wrangling Shrow;
Thus March and Marriage justly may be said,
To be alike, then sure the Man is Mad,
That loves such Changling Weather where the best is bad.
10
Though I once happy in a single Life,
Yet Shipwrack'd all upon that Rock a Wife.
By Gold and Beauties Pow'rful Charms betray'd,
To the dull druggery of a Marriage-Bed;
That Paradise for Fools, a Sport for Boys,
Tiresome its Chains, and brutal are its Joys,
Thou Nauseous Priestcraft that too soon appear'd,
Not as I hop'd, but worse than what I fear'd,
All her soft Charms which I believ'd divine,
Marriage I thought had made them only mine;
Vain hope, alas for I too early found,
My Brows were with the Thorns of Wedlock crown'd.
Jealousies, first from Reason rais'd a doubt,
And fatal Chance th'unhappy Truth brought out;
Made it so plain from all Pretences free'd.
That wicked Woman no Excuse could plead;
And if she wants device to hide her Shame,
Hell can no Umbrage for Adult'ry frame.
Yet Shipwrack'd all upon that Rock a Wife.
By Gold and Beauties Pow'rful Charms betray'd,
To the dull druggery of a Marriage-Bed;
That Paradise for Fools, a Sport for Boys,
Tiresome its Chains, and brutal are its Joys,
Thou Nauseous Priestcraft that too soon appear'd,
Not as I hop'd, but worse than what I fear'd,
All her soft Charms which I believ'd divine,
Marriage I thought had made them only mine;
Vain hope, alas for I too early found,
My Brows were with the Thorns of Wedlock crown'd.
Jealousies, first from Reason rais'd a doubt,
And fatal Chance th'unhappy Truth brought out;
Made it so plain from all Pretences free'd.
That wicked Woman no Excuse could plead;
And if she wants device to hide her Shame,
Hell can no Umbrage for Adult'ry frame.
I though it prudence the Disgrace to hide,
Tho' rav'd and Storm'd, she Pardon beg'd and Cry'd.
Yet with false Protestations strove to Charm:
The Cuckold to believe she'd done no harm,
Tho' taken by surprize (O curse the Day)
Where all the Marks of past Enjoyment lay,
And she disorder'd by her lustful freeks
Had Shame and Horrour strugling in her Cheeks:
Yet, made Essays to clear her Innocence,
And hide her Guilt with Lyes and Impudence;
For lustful Women like a vicious State,
Oft stifle Ills by others full as great,
But I convinc'd too plainly of her Guilt,
All her false Oaths and quick Inventions spoilt,
Which when she'd used in vain she blush'd and cry'd,
And own'd her fault she found she could not hide.
Tho' rav'd and Storm'd, she Pardon beg'd and Cry'd.
Yet with false Protestations strove to Charm:
The Cuckold to believe she'd done no harm,
Tho' taken by surprize (O curse the Day)
Where all the Marks of past Enjoyment lay,
And she disorder'd by her lustful freeks
Had Shame and Horrour strugling in her Cheeks:
Yet, made Essays to clear her Innocence,
And hide her Guilt with Lyes and Impudence;
For lustful Women like a vicious State,
Oft stifle Ills by others full as great,
But I convinc'd too plainly of her Guilt,
All her false Oaths and quick Inventions spoilt,
Which when she'd used in vain she blush'd and cry'd,
And own'd her fault she found she could not hide.
This I forgave, she promis'd to reclaim,
Vow'd future truth if I'd conceal the shame;
But what Strange Adamantine Chain can bind,
Woman corrupted to be just or kind:
Or how can Man to an adultress shew
That Love, which to a faithful Wife is due.
I strugled hard, and all my Passions checkt,
And chang'd Revenge into a Mild Respect,
That Good for Ill return'd might touch hear near,
And Gratitude might bind her more than fear;
My former Lover I every day renew'd;
And all the Signals of Oblivion shew'd;
Wink'd at small Faults, wou'd no such Trifles mind,
As accidental Failings not designed.
I all things to her Temper easie made,
Scorn'd to reflect, and hated to upbraid;
She chose (and rich it was) her own Attire,
Nay, had what a proud Woman could desire.
Vow'd future truth if I'd conceal the shame;
But what Strange Adamantine Chain can bind,
Woman corrupted to be just or kind:
11
That Love, which to a faithful Wife is due.
I strugled hard, and all my Passions checkt,
And chang'd Revenge into a Mild Respect,
That Good for Ill return'd might touch hear near,
And Gratitude might bind her more than fear;
My former Lover I every day renew'd;
And all the Signals of Oblivion shew'd;
Wink'd at small Faults, wou'd no such Trifles mind,
As accidental Failings not designed.
I all things to her Temper easie made,
Scorn'd to reflect, and hated to upbraid;
She chose (and rich it was) her own Attire,
Nay, had what a proud Woman could desire.
Thus the new Covenant I strictly kept,
And oft in private for her Failings wept,
Yet bore with seeming Cheerfulness those Cares,
That bring a Man too soon to grisled Hairs.
And oft in private for her Failings wept,
Yet bore with seeming Cheerfulness those Cares,
That bring a Man too soon to grisled Hairs.
But all this kindness I dispens'd in vain,
Where Lust and base Ingratitude remain
Lust, which if once in Female fancy fix'd,
Burns like Salt-Petre with dry Touchwood mix'd:
And tho' cold Fear for time may stop its force,
'Twill soon like Fire confin'd, break out the worse,
Or like a Tide obstructed, re-assume its course.
Where Lust and base Ingratitude remain
Lust, which if once in Female fancy fix'd,
Burns like Salt-Petre with dry Touchwood mix'd:
And tho' cold Fear for time may stop its force,
'Twill soon like Fire confin'd, break out the worse,
Or like a Tide obstructed, re-assume its course.
No Art cou'd e'er presume the stinking Stote,
Or change the lecherous Nature of the Goat.
No skilful Whitster ever found the slight,
To wash or bleach an Ethiopian White.
No gentle Usage truly will Asswage,
A Tyger's fierceness, or a Lyon's rage,
Stripes and severe Correction is the way,
Whence once they're thro'ly Conquer'd, they'll obey,
'Tis Whip and Spur, Commanding Rein and Bit,
That makes the unruly head-strong Horse submit,
So stubborn faithless Woman must be us'd,
Or Man by Woman basely be abus'd.
Or change the lecherous Nature of the Goat.
No skilful Whitster ever found the slight,
To wash or bleach an Ethiopian White.
No gentle Usage truly will Asswage,
A Tyger's fierceness, or a Lyon's rage,
Stripes and severe Correction is the way,
Whence once they're thro'ly Conquer'd, they'll obey,
'Tis Whip and Spur, Commanding Rein and Bit,
That makes the unruly head-strong Horse submit,
So stubborn faithless Woman must be us'd,
Or Man by Woman basely be abus'd.
For after all the Endearments I could show,
At last she turn'd both Libertine and Shrow,
From my Submission grew perverse and proud,
Crabbed as Varges, and as Thunder loud;
Did what she pleas'd, would no Obedience own,
And redicul'd the Patience I had shown.
Fear'd no sharp threatnings, valued no disgrace,
But flung the Wrongs she'd done me in my Face;
Grew still more head strong, turbulent and Lewd,
Filling my Mansion with a spurious Brood
Thus Brutal Lust her humane Reason drown'd,
And her loose Tail oblig'd the Country round;
Advice, Reproof, Pray'rs, Tears, were flung away,
For still she grew more wicked ev'ry day;
Till by her equals scorn'd my Servants, fed
The Brutal Rage of her adultrous Bed.
Nay, in my absence trucled to my Groom,
And hug'd the servile Traytor in my Room;
When these strange Tydings, Thunder struck my Ear,
And such Inhumane Wrongs were made apper,
On these just Grounds for a Divorce I su'd,
At last that head-strong Tyrant Wife subdu'd,
Cancel'd the marriage-bonds, & basterdiz'd her brood.
At last she turn'd both Libertine and Shrow,
12
Crabbed as Varges, and as Thunder loud;
Did what she pleas'd, would no Obedience own,
And redicul'd the Patience I had shown.
Fear'd no sharp threatnings, valued no disgrace,
But flung the Wrongs she'd done me in my Face;
Grew still more head strong, turbulent and Lewd,
Filling my Mansion with a spurious Brood
Thus Brutal Lust her humane Reason drown'd,
And her loose Tail oblig'd the Country round;
Advice, Reproof, Pray'rs, Tears, were flung away,
For still she grew more wicked ev'ry day;
Till by her equals scorn'd my Servants, fed
The Brutal Rage of her adultrous Bed.
Nay, in my absence trucled to my Groom,
And hug'd the servile Traytor in my Room;
When these strange Tydings, Thunder struck my Ear,
And such Inhumane Wrongs were made apper,
On these just Grounds for a Divorce I su'd,
At last that head-strong Tyrant Wife subdu'd,
Cancel'd the marriage-bonds, & basterdiz'd her brood.
Woman, thou worst of all Church-plagues, farewel;
Bad at the Best, but at the worst a Hell;
Thou truss of Wormwood, bitter Teaz of Life,
Thou Nursery of humane cares a Wife.
Thou Apple-Eating Trayt'riss who began
The Wrath of Heav'n, and Miseries of Man,
And hast with never-failing diligence,
Improv'd the Curse to humane Race e'er since.
Farewel Church-juggle that enslav'd my Life,
But bless that Pow'r that rid me of my Wife.
And now the Laws once more have set me free,
If Woman can again prevail with me,
My Flesh and Bones shall make my Wedding-Feast,
And none shall be Invited as my Guest,
T'attend my Bride, but th'Devil and a Priest.
Bad at the Best, but at the worst a Hell;
Thou truss of Wormwood, bitter Teaz of Life,
Thou Nursery of humane cares a Wife.
Thou Apple-Eating Trayt'riss who began
The Wrath of Heav'n, and Miseries of Man,
And hast with never-failing diligence,
Improv'd the Curse to humane Race e'er since.
Farewel Church-juggle that enslav'd my Life,
But bless that Pow'r that rid me of my Wife.
And now the Laws once more have set me free,
If Woman can again prevail with me,
My Flesh and Bones shall make my Wedding-Feast,
And none shall be Invited as my Guest,
T'attend my Bride, but th'Devil and a Priest.
FINIS.
13
THE CHOICE, OR, THE Pleasures of a Country-LIFE, &c.
If Heav'n the grateful Liberty wou'd give,
That I might chuse my Method how to live:
And all those Hours propitious Fate shou'd lend,
In blisful Ease and Satisfaction spend.
That I might chuse my Method how to live:
And all those Hours propitious Fate shou'd lend,
In blisful Ease and Satisfaction spend.
Near some fair Town I'd have a private Seat,
Built Uniform, not little, nor too great:
Better if on a rising Ground it stood,
Fields on this side, on that a Neighb'ring Wood.
It shou'd within no other things contain,
But what are Useful, Necessary, Plain:
Methinks 'tis Nauseous, and I'd ne'er endure
The needless Pomp of gawdy Furniture:
A little Garden, grateful to the Eye,
And a cool Rivulet run Murmuring by:
On whose delicious Banks a stately Row,
Of shady Limes, or Sicamores, shou'd grow.
At th'end of which a silent Study plac'd,
Shou'd with the Noblest Authors there be grac'd.
Horace and Virgil, in whose mighty Lines,
Immortal Wit, and solid Learning Shines.
Built Uniform, not little, nor too great:
Better if on a rising Ground it stood,
Fields on this side, on that a Neighb'ring Wood.
It shou'd within no other things contain,
But what are Useful, Necessary, Plain:
Methinks 'tis Nauseous, and I'd ne'er endure
The needless Pomp of gawdy Furniture:
A little Garden, grateful to the Eye,
And a cool Rivulet run Murmuring by:
On whose delicious Banks a stately Row,
Of shady Limes, or Sicamores, shou'd grow.
At th'end of which a silent Study plac'd,
Shou'd with the Noblest Authors there be grac'd.
Horace and Virgil, in whose mighty Lines,
Immortal Wit, and solid Learning Shines.
Sharp Juvenal, and am'rous Ovid too,
Who all the turns of Loves soft Passion knew:
He, that with Judgment reads his Charming Lines,
In which strong Art, with stronger Nature joyns,
Must grant, his Fancy does the best excell:
His Toughts so tender, and exprest so well;
With all those Moderns, Men of steady Sense,
Esteem'd for Learnig, and for Eloquence:
In some of these, as Fancy shou'd advise,
I'd always take my Morning Exercise.
For sure, no Minutes bring us more Content,
Than those in pleasing useful Studies Spent.
Who all the turns of Loves soft Passion knew:
He, that with Judgment reads his Charming Lines,
In which strong Art, with stronger Nature joyns,
Must grant, his Fancy does the best excell:
His Toughts so tender, and exprest so well;
With all those Moderns, Men of steady Sense,
Esteem'd for Learnig, and for Eloquence:
14
I'd always take my Morning Exercise.
For sure, no Minutes bring us more Content,
Than those in pleasing useful Studies Spent.
I'd have a clear and competent Estate,
That I might live Genteely, but not Great.
As much as I cou'd moderately spend,
A little more sometimes t'oblige a Friend.
Nor shou'd the Sons of Poverty Repine
Too much at Fortune, they shou'd taste of mine;
And all that Objects of true Pity were,
Shou'd be reliev'd with what may Wants cou'd spare;
For what our Maker has too largely giv'n,
Shou'd be return'd in gratitude to Heav'n,
A frugal Plenty shou'd my Table spread,
With healthful, not luxurios Dishes fed:
Enough to satisfy, and something more
To feed the Stranger, and Neigb'ring Poor.
Strong Meat indulges Vice, and pampering Food
Creates Diseases, and inflames the Blood.
But what's sufficient to make Nature Strong,
And the bright Lamp of Life continue long,
I'd freely take, and as I did possess,
The bounteous Author of my Plenty bless.
That I might live Genteely, but not Great.
As much as I cou'd moderately spend,
A little more sometimes t'oblige a Friend.
Nor shou'd the Sons of Poverty Repine
Too much at Fortune, they shou'd taste of mine;
And all that Objects of true Pity were,
Shou'd be reliev'd with what may Wants cou'd spare;
For what our Maker has too largely giv'n,
Shou'd be return'd in gratitude to Heav'n,
A frugal Plenty shou'd my Table spread,
With healthful, not luxurios Dishes fed:
Enough to satisfy, and something more
To feed the Stranger, and Neigb'ring Poor.
Strong Meat indulges Vice, and pampering Food
Creates Diseases, and inflames the Blood.
But what's sufficient to make Nature Strong,
And the bright Lamp of Life continue long,
I'd freely take, and as I did possess,
The bounteous Author of my Plenty bless.
I'd have a little Cellar, Cool and Neat,
With Humming Ale, and Virgin Wine Repleat.
Wine whets the Wit, improves its Native Froce,
And gives a pleasant Flavour to Discourse;
By making all our Spirits Debonair,
Throws of the Lees, the Sedement of Care.
But as the greatest Blessing Heaven lends
May be debauch'd, and serve ignoble Ends;
So, but too oft, the Grapes refreshing Juice,
Does many mischievous Effects produce.
My House, shou'd no such rude Disorders know,
As from high Drinking consequently flow,
Nor wou'd I use what was so kindly giv'n,
To the Dishonour of Indulgent Heav'n.
If any Neighbour came he shou'd be free,
Us'd with-Respect, and not uneasy be,
In my Retreat, or to himself or me.
What Freedom, Prudence, and Right Reason give,
All Men may with Impunity receive;
But the least swerving from their Rules too much,
For what's forbidden us, 'tis Death to touch.
That Life might be more comfortable yet,
And all my Joys refin'd, sincere and great,
I'd chuse too Friends, whose Company wou'd be
A great Advance to my Felicity.
Well born, of Humours suited to my own;
Discreet, and Men as well as Books have known.
Brave, Gen'rous, Witty, and exactly free
From loose Behaviour, or Formality.
Airy, and Prudent, Merry, but not Light,
Quick in discerning, and in Judging Right;
Secret they shou'd be, faithful to their Trust,
In Reasoning Cool, Strong, Temperate and Just.
Obliging, Open, without Huffing, Brave;
Brisk in gay Talking, and in sober Grave.
Close in Dispute, but not tenacious, try'd
By solid Reason, and let that decide;
Not prone to Lust, Revenge, or envious Hate;
Nor busy Medlers with Intrigues of State.
Strangers to Slander, and sworn Foes to spight,
Not Quarrelsom, but Stout enough to Fight:
Loyal and Pious, Friends to Cæsar true
As Dying Martyrs to their Maker too.
In their Society I cou'd not miss,
A permanent, sincere, substantial Bliss,
With Humming Ale, and Virgin Wine Repleat.
Wine whets the Wit, improves its Native Froce,
And gives a pleasant Flavour to Discourse;
By making all our Spirits Debonair,
Throws of the Lees, the Sedement of Care.
But as the greatest Blessing Heaven lends
May be debauch'd, and serve ignoble Ends;
So, but too oft, the Grapes refreshing Juice,
Does many mischievous Effects produce.
My House, shou'd no such rude Disorders know,
As from high Drinking consequently flow,
Nor wou'd I use what was so kindly giv'n,
To the Dishonour of Indulgent Heav'n.
If any Neighbour came he shou'd be free,
Us'd with-Respect, and not uneasy be,
In my Retreat, or to himself or me.
What Freedom, Prudence, and Right Reason give,
All Men may with Impunity receive;
But the least swerving from their Rules too much,
For what's forbidden us, 'tis Death to touch.
That Life might be more comfortable yet,
And all my Joys refin'd, sincere and great,
15
A great Advance to my Felicity.
Well born, of Humours suited to my own;
Discreet, and Men as well as Books have known.
Brave, Gen'rous, Witty, and exactly free
From loose Behaviour, or Formality.
Airy, and Prudent, Merry, but not Light,
Quick in discerning, and in Judging Right;
Secret they shou'd be, faithful to their Trust,
In Reasoning Cool, Strong, Temperate and Just.
Obliging, Open, without Huffing, Brave;
Brisk in gay Talking, and in sober Grave.
Close in Dispute, but not tenacious, try'd
By solid Reason, and let that decide;
Not prone to Lust, Revenge, or envious Hate;
Nor busy Medlers with Intrigues of State.
Strangers to Slander, and sworn Foes to spight,
Not Quarrelsom, but Stout enough to Fight:
Loyal and Pious, Friends to Cæsar true
As Dying Martyrs to their Maker too.
In their Society I cou'd not miss,
A permanent, sincere, substantial Bliss,
Wou'd bounteous Heaven once more indulge, I'd chuse,
(For, who wou'd so much Satisfaction lose,
As Witty Nymphs in Conversation give)
Near some obliging modest-Fair to live;
For there's that sweetness in a femal Mind,
Which in a Man's we cannot find;
That by a secret, but a pow'rful Art,
Winds up the spring of Life, and do's impart
Fresh Vital Heat to the transported Heart.
I'd have her Reason, and her Passions sway,
Easy in Company, in private Gay.
Coy to a Fop, to the deserving free,
Still Constant to her self, and Just to me.
A Soul she shou'd have for great Actions fit,
Prudence, and Wisdom to direct her Wit:
Courage to look bold danger in the Face,
No Fear, but only to be Proud, or Base:
Quick to advise by an Emergence prest,
To give good Counsel, or to take the best.
I'd have th'Expressions of her Thoughts be such,
She might not seem Reserv'd, nor talk too much;
That shows a want of Judgment, and of Sense:
More than enough is but Impertinence.
Her Conduct Regular, her Mirth refind,
Civil to Strangers, to her Neighbours kind.
Averse to Vanity, Revenge and Pride,
In all the Methods of Deceit untry'd:
So faithful to her Friend, and good to all,
No Censure might upon her Actions fall.
Then wou'd even Envy be compell'd to say,
She goes the least of Woman kind astray.
(For, who wou'd so much Satisfaction lose,
As Witty Nymphs in Conversation give)
Near some obliging modest-Fair to live;
For there's that sweetness in a femal Mind,
Which in a Man's we cannot find;
That by a secret, but a pow'rful Art,
Winds up the spring of Life, and do's impart
Fresh Vital Heat to the transported Heart.
I'd have her Reason, and her Passions sway,
Easy in Company, in private Gay.
Coy to a Fop, to the deserving free,
Still Constant to her self, and Just to me.
A Soul she shou'd have for great Actions fit,
Prudence, and Wisdom to direct her Wit:
Courage to look bold danger in the Face,
No Fear, but only to be Proud, or Base:
Quick to advise by an Emergence prest,
To give good Counsel, or to take the best.
I'd have th'Expressions of her Thoughts be such,
She might not seem Reserv'd, nor talk too much;
That shows a want of Judgment, and of Sense:
More than enough is but Impertinence.
Her Conduct Regular, her Mirth refind,
Civil to Strangers, to her Neighbours kind.
16
In all the Methods of Deceit untry'd:
So faithful to her Friend, and good to all,
No Censure might upon her Actions fall.
Then wou'd even Envy be compell'd to say,
She goes the least of Woman kind astray.
To this fair Creature I'd sometimes retire,
Her Conversation wou'd new Joys inspire,
Give Life and Edge so keen, no surly Care
Wou'd venture to assault my Soul, or dare
Near my Retreat to hide one secret Snare.
But so Divine, so Noble a Repast,
I'd seldom, and with Moderation taste.
For highest Cordials all their Virtue lose,
By a too frequent, and too bold an use;
And what would cheer the Spirits in distress,
Ruins our Health when taken to Excess.
Her Conversation wou'd new Joys inspire,
Give Life and Edge so keen, no surly Care
Wou'd venture to assault my Soul, or dare
Near my Retreat to hide one secret Snare.
But so Divine, so Noble a Repast,
I'd seldom, and with Moderation taste.
For highest Cordials all their Virtue lose,
By a too frequent, and too bold an use;
And what would cheer the Spirits in distress,
Ruins our Health when taken to Excess.
I'd be concern'd in no litigious Jarr,
Belov'd by all, not vainly popular:
Whate'er Assistance I had power to bring
T'oblige my Country, or to serve my King,
Whene'er they call'd, I'd readily afford,
My Tongue, my Pen, my Counsel, or my Sword.
Law Suits I'd shun with as much Studious Care,
As I wou'd Dens where hungry Lyons are;
An rather put up Injuries than be
A Plague to him, who'd be a Plague to me.
I value Quiet at a Price too great,
To give for my Revenge so dear a Rate:
For what do we by all our Bustle gain,
But counterfeit Delight for real Pain.
Belov'd by all, not vainly popular:
Whate'er Assistance I had power to bring
T'oblige my Country, or to serve my King,
Whene'er they call'd, I'd readily afford,
My Tongue, my Pen, my Counsel, or my Sword.
Law Suits I'd shun with as much Studious Care,
As I wou'd Dens where hungry Lyons are;
An rather put up Injuries than be
A Plague to him, who'd be a Plague to me.
I value Quiet at a Price too great,
To give for my Revenge so dear a Rate:
For what do we by all our Bustle gain,
But counterfeit Delight for real Pain.
If Heav'n a date of many years wou'd give,
Thus I'd in Pleasure, Ease and Plenty live.
And as I near approach'd the Verge of Life.
Some kind Relation (for I'd have no Wife.)
Should take upon him all my Worldly Care,
While I did for a better State prepare.
Then I'd not be with any trouble vext,
Nor have the Evening of my Days perplext.
But by a silent, and a peaceful Death,
Without a Sigh, Resign my Aged Breath:
And when committed to the Dust, I'd have
Few Tears, but Friendly drop'd into my Grave.
Then wou'd my Exit so propitious be,
All Men wou'd wish to live and dye like me.
Thus I'd in Pleasure, Ease and Plenty live.
And as I near approach'd the Verge of Life.
Some kind Relation (for I'd have no Wife.)
Should take upon him all my Worldly Care,
While I did for a better State prepare.
Then I'd not be with any trouble vext,
Nor have the Evening of my Days perplext.
But by a silent, and a peaceful Death,
Without a Sigh, Resign my Aged Breath:
And when committed to the Dust, I'd have
Few Tears, but Friendly drop'd into my Grave.
Then wou'd my Exit so propitious be,
All Men wou'd wish to live and dye like me.
FINIS.
| The pleasures of a Single Life | |