SONG XXXVIII. To the HEROES of the BRITISH NATION

A LADY, possess'd of a handsome Estate, With a Pedigree pleasing, tho' not very great; With a Person so handsome 'twill pass in a Croud; With a Tongue, tho' 'tis glib, not improperly loud! With each Quallification would suit in a Wife, Will be glad to engage with a Hero for Life; Tho' her Virtue's too dear to be fondly betray'd, With Submission she'd chuse—not to die an old Maid.

Be the Hero possess'd with Good-nature and Sense, And of Courage enough for the Fair one's Defence: Not a Coxcomb in Dress, nor in Politics loud, Of his Person not vain, of his Merit not proud: Then of Women and Wine be must wholly be free, Or else I declare he's no Husband for me. If his Birth is genteel, (not too low in Extraction) If polite in Address, 'tis a full Satisfaction.

Should his Fortune be small, no Objection to me, If his Principles answer in ev'ry Degree. If such Heroes there are, he that merits it most, Must answer me quickly by return o' th' post. Then away to old Hymen—in Raptures we run, To be happy for e'er, or for e'er be undone.