The Sailor's Wife's Policy, or, the Knowing Barber Taken in/John and Susan: A Love Dialogue

by Anonymous

JOHN and SUSAN, a LOVE DIALOGUE.

HE.

COme hither sweet Susan, and sit down by me,

And let us consult on sweet matrimony,
For thou art my love, my joy, and my dear,
I pray thee let us be married this year.

SHE.

⁠I pray honest John don't talk of such things,

For marriage both care and sorrow doth bring,
Besides times are hard, and provisions are dear,
Which makes me loath to marry this year.

HE.

⁠If times they are hard, and money is scant,

I will do my endeavour that you shall not want;
And follow my calling with diligent care,
I prithee love let us be married this year.

SHE.

⁠For every couple that's marry'd they say,

You know that the Parson he must have his pay,
Besides other charges that stand us so dear,
Which makes me loath to be marry'd this year.

⁠If I should bring children, as I am afraid,
By the birth of each child five shillings are paid,
There are nurses and gossips that will stand us dear,
Which makes me loath to be marry'd this year.

HE.

⁠Did not you promise me a long time ago,

That we should be married before it was long;
So don't prove unconstant to him that's thy dear,
I prithee love let us be marry'd this year.

SHE.

⁠I cannot deny these words you relate,

I did make a promise for to be your mate,
But times are altered, and all things are dear,
Which makes me loath to be marry'd this year.

HE.

⁠Farewel, farewel, since then it is so,

Now I am resolv'd to another to go;

For good luck or bad luck I'd never fear,
For I am resolv'd to be marry'd this year.

SHE.

⁠O stay John, stay John, why in such a haste!

I will be your true love as long as life lasts,
For good luck or bad luck then I'll never fear,
For I am resolv'd to be marry'd this year.

HE.

⁠Then all things in order we will provide,

And in less than ten days I'll make you my bride,
Then the bells shall ring, and music play clear,
For John and Susan are marry'd this year.