Song. the Choice

I'm told by the wise ones, a maid I will die, They say I'm too nice, but the charge I deny; I know but too well how the time flies along, That we live but few years, and fewer are young; But I hate to be cheated, and never will buy Whole ages of sorrow for moments of joy; I never will wed 'till a youth I can find, Where the friend and the lover are equally join'd.

No pedant, tho' learned, or foolishly gay, Or laughing because he has nothing to say; To every fair-one obliging and free, But never be loving to any but me— In whose tender bosom my soul can confide, Whose kindness can soothe me, whose counsels can guide, Such a youth I would marry, if such I could find, Where the friend and the lover are equally join'd.

From such a dear lover as here I describe, No dangers should fright me, nor millions should bribe; But until this astonishing creature I know, I am single and happy, and still will be so; You may laugh, and suppose I am nicer than wise, But I'll shun the dull fop, the pert coxcomb despise; Nor ere will I marry 'till the youth I can find, Where the friend and the lover are equally join'd.