THE CHARMS of MELODY, SONG 43

Give me but a wife, I expect not to find Each virtue and grace in one female combin'd. No goddess for me: 'tis a woman I prize: And he that seeks more, is more curious than wife.

Be she young, she's not stubborn, but easy to mould: Or the claims my respect for her age, if she's old. Thus either can please me: since woman I prize: And he that seeks more, is more curious than wife.

Like Venus she ogles, if squinting her eye. If blind, she the roving of mine cannot spy. Thus either is lovely: for woman I prize: And he that seeks more, is more curious than wife.

If rich be my bride, she brings tokens of love: If poor, then the farther from pride my remove. Thus either contents me: for woman I prize: And he that seeks more, is more curious than wife.

I ne'er shall want converse, if tongue she possess: And if mute, still the rarity pleases no less. I'm suited to either: for woman I prize: And he that seeks more, is more curious tnan wife.

Then cease, ye profane, on the fair to descant: If you've wit to discern, of charms they've no scant. Each fair can make happy, if woman we prize: And he that seeks more, is more curious than wife.