Battle of the Boyn, or, King William crossing the Boyn Water (1)/The Virgin's Choice

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Battle of the Boyn, or, King William crossing the Boyn Water (1) (c. 1790)
The Virgin's Choice
3455975Battle of the Boyn, or, King William crossing the Boyn Water (1) — The Virgin's Choicec/1790

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.

To judge aright, and chuſe the beſt,
is not ſo ſoon decided;
When both their merits are expreſt,
may be leſs divided.

Palemon's flocks unnumber'd ſtray,
he's rich beyond all meaſure;
Wou'd 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.

Can I, who ſcarcely am in bloom,
let froſt and ſnow be ſuing?
"Twould ſpoil each rip'ning joy to come,
bring ev'ry charm to ruin.

For dreſs and ſhow to touch my pride,
my little heart is panting;
But then—there's ſomething elſe beſide,
I ſoon ſhould find was wanting.

Then, Colin, thou my heart ſhall gain,
for thou would ne'er deceive me;
And gray-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.