University of Virginia Library


41

FAINT HEART.

Faint heart wins not lady fair:
Victory smiles on those who dare.
There is but one way to woo:
Think thy Mistress willing too;
Leave her never chance to choose,
Hold her powerless to refuse!
If she answer thee with No,
Wilt thou bow and let her go?
When, most like, her No is meant
But to make more sweet consent:
So thy suit may longer be,
For so much she liketh thee.
Never heed her pretty airs!
He's no lover who despairs;
He's no warrior whom a frown
Drives from his beleaguer'd town;
And no hunter he who stops
Till his stricken quarry drops.

42

Aim as certain not to miss;
Take her as thou wouldst a kiss!
Or ask once, and if in vain,
Ask her twice, and thrice again:
Sure of this when all is said,—
They lose most who are afraid.