Inscrib'd to George Rivers, Esq.

In the opinion of the vulgar crowd
No merit is to women's men allow'd,
But tattling, dandling, loit'ring all the day,
And trifling life's most precious hours away.
Let such as these, when caught in wedlock's snare,
Be the coquette or stern virago's share;
But to a girl of honour, worth and sense
Let no such coxcomb dare to make pretence.
Be hers the gay, the generous, the brave,
No surly tyrant, nor yet henpeck'd slave;
But one who will instruct, approve, defend,
A constant lover and a faithful friend,
Who, by his conduct, shall acquire such fame,
She shall with pride and pleasure wear his name.
The ladies now, methinks, the bard surround,
And cry, Where is this jewel to be found?
I answer, she to whose blest lot thou'lt fall,
In thee, my Rivers, will possess 'em all.