THE CHARMS of MELODY, SONG 21

Ye fair, who shine throughout this land, And triumph o'er the heart, Awhile, I pray, t' advice attend, Which artless lays impart. Would you obtain the youth you love, The precepts of a friend approve, And learn the way to keep him.

As soon as nature has decreed The bloom of eighteen years, And Isabel from school is freed, Then beauty's force appears: The youthful blood begins to flow; She hopes for man; and longs to know The surest way to keep him.

When first the pleasing pain is felt Within the lover's breast— And you by strange persuasion melt— Each wishing to be blest— Be not too bold, nor yet too coy, With prudence lure the happy boy; And that's the way to keep him.

At court, at park, at ball, or play, Assume a modest pride; And, lest your tongue your mind betray, In fewer words confide. The maid, who thinks to gain a mate By giddy chat, will find, too late, That's not the way to keep him.

In dressing, ne'er the hours kill, That bane to all the sex! Nor let the arts of dear spadille Your innocence perplex. Be always decent as a bride, By virtuous rules your conduct guide: For that's the way to keep him.

But when the nuptial knot is fast, And both its blessings share, To make those joys for ever last, Of jealousy beware. His love with kind compliance meet, Let constancy the work complete, And you'll be sure to keep him.