Classic Poem

A SONG .

I.

A T the close of the Day,
When the Bean-flow'r and Hay
Breath'd Odours in ev'ry Wind:
Love enliven'd the Veins
Of the Damsels and Swains;
Each glance and each action was kind.

II.

Molly , wanton and free,
Kiss'd, and sat on each Knee,
Fond ecstasy swam in her Eyes.
See, thy Mother is near,
Hark! She calls thee to hear
What Age and Experience advise.

III.

Hast thou seen the blithe Dove
Stretch her Neck to her Love,
All glossy with Purple and Gold?
If a Kiss he obtain,
She returns it again:
What follows, you need not be told.

IV.

Look ye, Mother, she cry'd,
You instruct me in Pride,
And Men by Good-manners are won.
She who trifles with all
Is less likely to fall
Than she who but trifles with one.

V.

Pr'ythee, Molly , be wise,
Lest by sudden surprize
Love should tingle in ev'ry Vein:
Take a Shepherd for Life,
And when once you're a Wife,
You safely may trifle again.

VI.

Molly smiling reply'd,
Then I'll soon be a Bride;
Old Roger has Gold in his Chest.
But I thought all you Wives
Chose a Man for your Lives,
And trifled no more with the rest.