Classic Poem

Spoken by Mr. W ILKS .

From F LETCHER'S great Original , to day
We took the Hint of this our Modern Play:
Our Author, from his Lines, has strove to paint
A witty, wild, inconstant, free Gallant:
With a gay Soul, with Sense, and Will to rove,
With Language, and with Softness fram'd to move,
With little Truth, but with a world of Love.
Such Forms on Maids in Morning Slumbers wait,
When Fancy first instructs their Hearts to beat,
When first they wish, and sigh for what they know not yet.
Frown not, ye Fair to think your Lovers may
Reach your cold Hearts by some unguarded Way;
Let V ILLEROY'S Misfortune make you wise,
There's Danger still in Darkness and Surprize;
Tho' from his Rampart he defy'd the Foe,
Prince E UGENE found an Aqueduct below.
With easy Freedom, and a gay Address,
A pressing Lover seldom wants Success:
Whilst the Respectful, like the Greek sits down,
And wastes a ten Year's Siege before one Town.
For her own sake let no forsaken Maid,
Our Wanderer, for want of Love, upbraid;
Since 'tis a Secret, none shou'd e'er confess,
That they have lost the happy Power to please.
If you suspect the Rogue inclin'd to break,
Break first, and swear you've turn'd him off a Week;
As Princes, when they resty States-Men doubt,
Before they can surrender, turn 'em out.
Whate'er you think, grave Uses may be made,
As much, ev'n for Inconstancy be said.
Let the good Man for Marriage Rites design'd,
With studious Care, and Diligence of Mind,
Turn over ev'ry Page of Womankind ;
Mark ev'ry Sense , and how the Readings vary,
And when he knows the worst on't, — let him marry .