SONG CCLXI. The Virgins WISH

Virgins if e'er at length it prove, My Destiny to be in Love, Pray wish me such a Fate, May Wit and Prudence be my Guide, And may a little decent Pride, My Actions regulate.

Such stateliness I mean as may, Keep nauseous Fools and Fops away, But still oblige the Wise, That may secure my Modesty, And Guardian to my Honour, be When Passion does arise.

When first a Lover I commence, May it be with a Man of Sense, And learned Education, May all his Courtship easy be, Neither too formal nor too free, But wisely shew his Passion.

May his Estate agree with mine, That nothing look like a Design, To bring us into sorrow, Grant me all this that I have said, And willingly I'd live a Maid, No longer than To-morrow.