The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 8/The Hardship Upon the Ladies

by Jonathan Swift

THE HARDSHIP UPON THE LADIES. 1733.

POOR ladies! though their business be to play,
'Tis hard they must be busy night and day:
Why should they want the privilege of men,
Nor take some small diversions now and then?
Had women been the makers of our laws,
(And why they were not, I can see no cause)
The men should slave at cards from morn to night;
And female pleasures be to read and write.