Flirt and Phil: a Decision for the Ladies

A WIT, by learning well refin'd, A beau, but of the rural kind, To Silvia made pretences; They both profess'd an equal love, Yet hop'd by diff'rent means to move Her judgment or her senses.

Young sprightly Flirt, of blooming mien, Watch'd the best minutes to be seen, Went—when his glass advis'd him; While meagre Phil of books inquir'd, A wight for wit and parts admir'd, And witty ladies priz'd him.

Silvia had wit, had spirits too; To hear the one, the other view, Suspended held the scales: Her wit, her youth, too, claim'd its share; Let none the preference declare, But turn up—heads or tails.