University of Virginia Library

A silly Wife the worst of Evils.

An Ode.

Of all the plagues of humane Life,
A foolish Woman is the worst;
For tho' she's honest, if your Wife,
You'll surely find your self accurs'd.
The Reason's plain, because a Fool,
Tho' chast, will act as if a Wh***re,
And aim imperiously to rule,
Altho' she knows no use of Pow'r:
When she who is by nature blest
With Sense and Manners, tho' a Jilt,
Will make you easy in your Breast,
And from Suspicion skreen her Guilt.

16

Then grant, ye Gods, whene'er I wed,
A cautious Wife my Fate may be;
Who, if she stains her marriage Bed,
Will free my Thoughts from Jealousie.