JT-47-A WORD TO THE FAIR.

A WORD TO THE FAIR.

Ye beauteous fair! if you’d prepare,
To live a happy life,
You must discern, and fully learn,
The pleasures of a wife.

While you are young, your path is hung,
With snares on every side,
You look for bliss, but, O, you miss,
Till you become a bride.

Then if you can select a man,
And give him all your heart,
When this you do, be ever true,
Nor act the coquette’s part.

But first remind, be sure to find,
A man of sober name.
Let him be found of morals sound,
And long of virtuous fame.

Know him to be from vices free,
A man or generous mind,
And one that feel s, another’s ills,
Affectionate and kind.

A handsome face, in am’rous race,
Too often does decoy,
And riches are sometimes a snare,
And may your bliss destroy.

Now ask your heart, if he’s the part,
You only do admire?
Or is it gold which you behold,
That kindles your desire?

As men deceive, don’t you believe,
Your ev’ry lover’s tale,
If love should pain, you must refrain,
Nor let it soon prevail.

Be not in haste, but always chaste,
Be modest and refin’d,
And when you can, obtain the man,
To whom you would be join’d.

Let him be sure your heart is pure,
And wait for hymen’s tie,
To bless the day when females may
With their fond wish comply.