The Echo, Song XXXI

My mother says, I'm now sixteen, Must dress—in the beau monde be seen, Reply to all the vows of men, No, no, no.

In sweetest buds there canker lies, And in the rose sharp thorns arise; All this she says to make me wise, And say no.

When Henry t'other morning came, Profess'd an honest tender flame, And ask'd me, if the day I'd name, I said no.

I told him, mother I'd obey, And must reply of course with nay; He sigh'd, then shall I far away? I said no.

My speaking tears betray'd my love: He said, shall Hymen doubt remove, To church, you'll not deny to rove? I sigh'd no.

My mother now I have obey'd, Attended well to what she said, And will to all—but him I wed, Still say no.