That thou wilt marry, thou dost ever say,
And still th' important, threaten'd Act delay;
For in one Woman you expect to find
A sprightly Genius, and a steady Mind,
A solid Judgment, and a reas'ning Soul,
That all her Sexes Follies can controul.
Presumptious Man! what Merits of thy Life
Can earn thee such a Wonder of a Wife?
Heav'n may some Miracles, of Grace, have lent,
But modern Wives are for our Punishment,
Not giv'n to bless, but force us to repent.

Then stand not idly shiv'ring on the Shore;
Resolve or to go back, or venture o'er.
In vain you'll seek a Mistress, or a Wife,
Who will be govern'd in her Course of Life,
Or steer her Conduct by her Reason still,
Controul her Passions, or reform her Will:
All steer their Motions just as Frigats sail,
The Head is always govern'd by the Tail!