Beds of roses (1)/The choice of a husband

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THE CHOICE OF A HUSBAND.

SINCE honour has attended upon the marriage state,
And from the torch of Hymen our happiness we date,
If e’er the Fates ordain it that I should be a wife,
The picture I will draw of the partner of my life.
⁠Then I’d litre no longer single,
⁠Could but my influence,
⁠A conquest gain o’er such a swain,
⁠Endu’d with common sense,
⁠Then I’d live no longer single.

⁠The fop, beau & fribble, cou’d ne’er myfancytake,
Nor yet did I admir- the rattle-headed rake, (brave,
To guard himself from insult, I’d have him bold &
To wink at little foibles that I may chance to have.
⁠Then I’d live no longer single, &c.

⁠His person in proportion, more robust than fine,
A fort of easy carelessness deportment to decline;
And affably Sc candidly share all my joys & cares,
And give me my prerogative in family affairs.
⁠Then I’d live no longer single, &c

His conversation fraught with endearing sentiment,
Free from the pedant stiffness, & rude impertinent,
In his lawful dealings, let honour still preside.
Frugal in economy, let prudence be his guide.
⁠Then I’d live no longer single, &c.

⁠His principles untainted, his morals just & found,
And one in whom the distaste of honesty is found;
I value not the glaring of wealth and pageantry,
But plac’d above necessity is just enough for me,
⁠Then I’d live no longer single, &c.

⁠Could you recommend me to such a one to this,
I’d think myself arriv’d at the summit of all bliss!
And for his health & welfare for ever would I pray,
And think myself in duty bound to love & to obey.
⁠Then I’d live no longer single, &c.

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