ANSWER.]
HUDIBRAS.
439
But those we wear about our necks,
Produce those amorous effects.
Nor is 't those threads of gold, our hair,
The periwigs you make us wear; 70
But those bright guineas in our chests,
That light the wildfire in your breasts.
These love-tricks I've been vers'd in so,
That all their sly intrigues I know,
And can unriddle, by their tones, 75
Their mystic cabals, and jargones;
Can tell what passions, by their sounds,
Pine for the beauties of my grounds;
What raptures fond and amorous,
O' th' charms and graces of my house; 80
What ecstasy and scorching flame,
Burns for my money in my name;
What from th' unnatural desire,
To beasts and cattle, takes its fire;
What tender sigh, and trickling tear, 85
Longs for a thousand pounds a year;
And languishing transports are fond
Of statute, mortgage, bill, and bond.[1]
These are th' attracts which most men fall
Enamour'd, at first sight, withal; 90
To these th' address with serenades.
And court with balls and masquerades;
And yet, for all the yearning pain
Ye 've suffer'd for their loves in vain,
I fear they'll prove so nice and coy, 95
To have, and t' hold, and to enjoy;
That all your oaths and labour lost,
They'll ne'er turn ladies of the post.[2]
This is not meant to disapprove
Your judgment, in your choice of love, 100
Which is so wise, the greatest part
Of mankind study 't as an art;
Produce those amorous effects.
Nor is 't those threads of gold, our hair,
The periwigs you make us wear; 70
But those bright guineas in our chests,
That light the wildfire in your breasts.
These love-tricks I've been vers'd in so,
That all their sly intrigues I know,
And can unriddle, by their tones, 75
Their mystic cabals, and jargones;
Can tell what passions, by their sounds,
Pine for the beauties of my grounds;
What raptures fond and amorous,
O' th' charms and graces of my house; 80
What ecstasy and scorching flame,
Burns for my money in my name;
What from th' unnatural desire,
To beasts and cattle, takes its fire;
What tender sigh, and trickling tear, 85
Longs for a thousand pounds a year;
And languishing transports are fond
Of statute, mortgage, bill, and bond.[1]
These are th' attracts which most men fall
Enamour'd, at first sight, withal; 90
To these th' address with serenades.
And court with balls and masquerades;
And yet, for all the yearning pain
Ye 've suffer'd for their loves in vain,
I fear they'll prove so nice and coy, 95
To have, and t' hold, and to enjoy;
That all your oaths and labour lost,
They'll ne'er turn ladies of the post.[2]
This is not meant to disapprove
Your judgment, in your choice of love, 100
Which is so wise, the greatest part
Of mankind study 't as an art;
