SINCE WE POOR SLAVISH WOMEN KNOW

by: William Wycherley (1641-1715)

INCE we poor slavish women know

Our men we cannot pick and choose;

To him we like, why say we no?

We both our time and labour lose:

By our put-offs, and fond delays,

A Lover's Appetite we pall;

And if too long the Gallant stays,

His stomach's gone for good and all.

 

Or our impatient Amorous guest

Unknown to us away may steal,

And rather than stay for a feast

Take up with some course ready meal.

When opportunity is kind,

Let prudent women be so too;

And if a man be to her mind,

Till, till,--she must not let him go.

 

The match soon made is happy still,

For only love, 'tis best to do

For none should marry 'gainst their will,

But stand off when their Parents woo,

And only to their Suits be coy;

For she whom Jointures can obtain

To let a Fop her bed enjoy,

Is but a lawful wench for gain.

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