'Tis an old lesson; time approves it true, And those who know it best, deplore it most; When all is won that all desire to woo, The paltry prize is hardly worth the cost.

And whispering, "I will ne'er consent," consented.

'Tis enough-- Who listens once will listen twice; Her heart be sure is not of ice, And one refusal no rebuff.

Some are soon bagg'd but some reject three dozen. 'Tis fine to see them scattering refusals And wild dismay, o'er every angry cousin (Friends of the party) who begin accusals, Such as--"Unless Miss (Blank) meant to have chosen Poor Frederick, why did she accord perusals To his billets? Why waltz with him? Why, I pray, Look yes least night, and yet say No to-day?"

There is a tide in the affairs of women Which, taken at the flood, leads--God knows where.

Do proper homage to thine idol's eyes; But no too humbly, or she will despise Thee and thy suit, though told in moving tropes: Disguise even tenderness if thou art wise.