The Works of John Hall-Stevenson :: :: University of Virginia Library

Let jealous blockheads agonize and fret,
Waste all their wealth, their study, time, and skill,
O'er wavering virtue watchful senteries set,
To keep their spouses chaste against their will.

In lofty domes enclosed and painted bowers,
With costly worship though their idols shine,
Cover'd with Orient gems in glittering showers,
They pine and sicken in their gilded shrine.

Or led in triumph through a gazing crowd,
Like Ægypt's goddess, Isis, Heifer, Queen,
That nods her golden horns in semblance proud,
But longs to sport and couch upon the green.

Make not your mate an object for parade,
A picture placed for artist eyes to view,
Or fancy-figure of a masquerade,
That pleases only whilst the fancy's new.

215

The fruits of commerce, the rewards of war,
Your riches rescued from the treacherous main,
The painful harvest of the sordid bar,
Let her preserve without your farther pain.

Let household cares employ her hands and head,
At table treat her like a vestal pure,
Make her the wife and mistress of your bed.
Believe her faithful, and you'll find her sure.