Classic Poem

To love, and be lov'd, how transporting the bliss,
To give, and receive, the soft conjugal kiss;
To see a young race of sweet prattlers around,
Is a pleasure superior to all can be found.

Let libertines rail at the joys they ne'er know,
Such joys as from rambling can sure never flow;
A bottle and Thais may please for a night,
But wedlock affords never fading delight.

Tho' censure may seem to have room for its rage,
In this money-job, scandalous, match-making age;
When parents and guardians their children dispose,
As chapmen at Smithfield buy horses and cows.

Yet calmly consider true love as the source;
And wedlock will surely be happy of course;
Yet a competent fortune will certainly please,
For life is scarce life unless pass'd thro' with ease.

'Tis prudent, I own, ere you marry, to see
If your means will support a wife easy and free;
For cavils in wedlock will rise to be sure,
When industry can't keep the wolf from the door.

But when fortune and love both together combine,
And beauty and sense too as mutually join;
Let them rail on who will, I am certain of this,
That wedlock so plann'd, is the height of all bliss.