nce, and Wisdom to direct her Wit.
Courage to look bold danger in the Face,
No Fear, but only to be Proud, or Base:
Quick to advise by an Emergence prest,
To give good Counsel, or to take the best.
I'd have th' Expression of her Thoughts be such,
She might not seem Reserv'd, nor talk too much;
That shows a want of Judgment, and of Sense;
More than enough is but Impertinence.
Her Conduct Regular, her Mirth refind,
Civil to Strangers, to her Neighbours kind.
Averse to Vanity, Revenge and Pride;
In all the Methods of Deceit untry'd:
So faithful to her Friend, and good to all,
No Censure might upon her Actions fall
Then wou'd even Envy be compell'd to say,
She goes the least of Woman kind astray.

To this fair Creature I'd sometimes retire,
Her Conversation wou'd new Joys inspire.
Give Life and Edge so keen, no surly Care }
Wou'd venture to assault my Soul, or dare }
Near my Retreat to hide one secret Snare. }
But so Divine, so Noble a Repast.
I'd seldom, and with Moderation caste.
For highest Cordials all their Virtue lose,
By a too freequent, and to bold an use;
And what would cheer the Spirits in distress;
Ruins our Health when taken to Excess.

I'd be concern'd in no litigious Jarr,
Belov'd by, all not vainly popular:
Whate'er Assistance I had power to bring
T'oblige my Country, or to serve my King,
Whene'er they call'd, I'd readily afford,
My Tongue, My Pen, my Counsel, or my Sword.
Law-suit I'd shun with as much Studious Care;
As I wou'd Dens where hungry Lyons are;
An rather put up injuries than be
A Plague to him, who'd be a plague to me.
I value Quiet at a Price too great,
To give for my Revenge so dear a Rate:
For what do we by all our bustle gain,
But counterfeit Delight for real Pain.

If Heav'n a date of many years wou'd give,
Thus I'd in Pleasure, Ease and Plenty live.
And as I near approach'd the Verge of Life,
Some kind Relation (for I'd have no Wife)
Should take upon him all my Worldly Care,
While I did for a better State prepare.
Then I'd not be with any trouble vext.
Nor have the Evening of my Days perplext.
But by a silent, and a peaceful Death,
Without a Sigh, Resign my Aged Breath:
And when committed to the Dust, I'd have
Few Tears, but Friendly drop'd into my Grave.
Then wou'd my Exit so propitious be,
All Men wou'd wish to live and dye like me.

_FINIS._

AN ANSWER TO
THE
PLEASURES
OF A
SINGLE LIFE:
OR,
THE COMFORTS
OF
MARRIAGE
Confirm'd and Vindicated:
W