Choice of a Wife

Free as my life may be from care, I feel sometimes for you, ye fair, Through interest, love, and duty: Duty's observing how ye live, My interest is the joys you give, And much I love your beauty.

Yet, fearing you should me mistake, Know, I a vast distinction make, In those whom I admire; Fine shapes, and face, most men approve, But those who merit Ranger's love, Must other ways inspire.

Must more in sense, than person shine, Tender their hearts, with souls sublime, To scandal quite a stranger; The muses friend, in science read, Hate cards, and in industry bred, Such are the wives for Rangers.