(8)
You may laugh; but, believe me, you're all in the wrong,
when you merrily marriage deride;
For to marriage the permanent pleaſures belong,
and in them we can only confide.
The joys which from lawleſs connections ariſe,
are fugitive—never ſincere;
Oft ſtolen with haſte, or ſnatch'd by ſurprize,
interrupted by doubts, and by fear.
But thoſe which in legal attachments we find,
when the heart is with innocence pure,
Is from ev'ry imbitt'ring reflection reſin'd,
and to life's lateſt hour will endure.
The life which you boaſt of, deſerves not that name,
true love is with ſentiment join'd;
But yours is a paſſion, a feveriſh flame,
rais'd without the conſent of the mind.
When, dreading confinement, ye miſtreſſes hire,
with this, and with that ye are cloy'd;
Ye are led, and miſled, by a flatt'ring falſe fire,
and are oft by that fire deſtroy'd.
If you aſk me from ⟨whence⟩ my felicity flows,
my anſwer is ſhort—"From a Wife,
Who for chearſulneſs, ſcnſe, and good nature I choſe,
which are beauties that charm us for life."
To make home the ſeat of perpetual delight,
ev'ry hour each ſtudies to ſeize;
And we find ourſelves happy from morning to night
by our mutual endeavours to pleaſe.
F I N I S.
