Virgin's Choice, or, Youth Preferred to Old Age/The Virgin's Choice
THE VIRGIN'S CHOICE.
AS now my bloom comes on a pace,
the swains begin to teaze me;
But two who claim the foremost place,
try different ways to please me.
the swains begin to teaze me;
But two who claim the foremost place,
try different ways to please me.
To judge aright, and chuse the best,
is not so soon decided;
When both their merits are exprest,
I may be less divided,
is not so soon decided;
When both their merits are exprest,
I may be less divided,
Palemon's flocks unnumber'd stray,
he's rich above all measure;
Would I but smile, be kind and gay,
he'd give me all his treasure:
he's rich above all measure;
Would I but smile, be kind and gay,
he'd give me all his treasure:
But then our years so disagree———
so much as I remember,
It is but May, I'm sure with me,
with him it is December.
so much as I remember,
It is but May, I'm sure with me,
with him it is December.
Can I, who scarcely am in bloom,
let frost and snow be suing?
I would spoil each rip'ning joy to come,
bring every charm to ruin
let frost and snow be suing?
I would spoil each rip'ning joy to come,
bring every charm to ruin
For dress and show to touch my pride,
my little heart is parting
But then—there's something else beside,
I soon would find was wanting.
my little heart is parting
But then—there's something else beside,
I soon would find was wanting.
Then Colin, thou my heart shalt gain,
for thou would ne'er deceive me:
And grey-hair'd wealth shall plead in vain,
for thou hast most to give me;
for thou would ne'er deceive me:
And grey-hair'd wealth shall plead in vain,
for thou hast most to give me;
My fancy paints thee full of charms,
thou looks so young and tender,
Love beats his new and fond alarms,
to thee I now surrender.
thou looks so young and tender,
Love beats his new and fond alarms,
to thee I now surrender.