Classic Poem

Tune, the Ass .

Come , spouse , to the world let's together again,
Having taken of Lethe a glass;
If we think to be happy asunder, 'tis vain,
And we both act the part of the ass, &c.

If a mistress we keep, she consumes all our pelf;
To a jail for our frolick we pass,
And they that a house will divide ' gainst itself,
Whether husband or wife , is the ass, &c.

In a wife that's discreet, we've a friend we may trust;
But there's none in a flutt'ring lass;
The reproofs of a wife on reflexion are just,
For she feels the mistake of the ass.

If a woman's a scold, and is given to frown,
Then all will know who is the ass;
But when one bucket's up, if t' other is down,
From friendship we never shall pass.

To each other, from Lethe we'll learn to give way,
All disputes in oblivion shall pass,
And this shall, my dear, be a new wedding-day,
And no more you shall see me an ass.