OPE! Who? A friend! What wouldst obtain?
Advice! Whereof? Is’t well to wed?
I wish to marry. What’s your pain?
No wife have I for board and bed,
By whom my house is wisely led.
One meek and fair I wish to gain,
Young, wealthy, too, and nobly bred;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!
Consider! Grief can you sustain?
Women have tempers bold and dread;
When for a dish of eggs you’re fain,
Broth, cheese, you’ll have before you spread:
Now free, you’ll be a slave instead —
When married, you yourself have slain.
Think well. My first resolve is said;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!
No wife will be like her you feign;
On angry words you shall be fed,
So shall you bitterly complain,
With woes too hard to bear, bested;
Better a life in forest led
Than of such beast to bear the strain.
No! The sweet fancy fills my head;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!
Soon you will long that you were dead
When married; seek in street or lane
Some love. No! Passion bids me wed;
You’re crazy — batter out your brain!