Poems, chiefly pastoral By John Cunningham. The second edition. With the Addition of several pastorals and other pieces |
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 | Poems, chiefly pastoral |  |
138
A MAN TO MY MIND.
(Wrote at the Request of a Lady.)
I
Since wedlock's in vogue, and stale virgins despis'd,To all batchelors greeting, these lines are premis'd;
I'm a maid that would marry, but where shall I find
(I wish not for fortune) a man to mind?
II
Not the fair-weather fop, fond of fashion and lace;Not the 'squire, that can wake to no joys but the chace;
Not the free-thinking rake, whom no morals can bind:
Neither this—that—nor t'other's the man to my mind.
139
III
Not the ruby-fac'd sot, that topes world without end;Not the drone, who can't relish his bottle and friend;
Not the fool, that's too fond; nor the churl that's unkind:
Neither this—that—nor t'other's the man to my mind.
IV
Not the wretch with full bags, without breeding or merit;Not the Flash, that's all fury without any spirit;
Not the fine master Fribble, the scorn of mankind:
Neither this—that—nor t'other's the man to my mind.
V
But the youth in whom merit and sense may conspire,Whom the brave must esteem, and the fair should admire;
In whose heart love and truth are with honour combin'd:
This—this—and no other's the man to my mind.
| Poems, chiefly pastoral | |