Tixall Poetry.
263
To a Gentleman,
That Courted Several Ladys.
Since, Coridon, you have a hart can pay
So many sacrifices in a day,
And that you can one for her wit adore,
And then another for her beauty more,
I have no inclination to confine
Your general offering to a single shrine.
No, Coridon, I'le quit you of your vow,
You here or there may court, when, where, or how,
Your artful love your fancy shall perswade,
And when you've done, and many conquests made,
Back on your honor looke, and there you'le see,
A ruine greater than your victory.
It easy is our weak sex to betray,
But falshood still doth stain on honor lay.
So many sacrifices in a day,
And that you can one for her wit adore,
And then another for her beauty more,
I have no inclination to confine
Your general offering to a single shrine.
No, Coridon, I'le quit you of your vow,
You here or there may court, when, where, or how,
Your artful love your fancy shall perswade,
And when you've done, and many conquests made,
Back on your honor looke, and there you'le see,
A ruine greater than your victory.
It easy is our weak sex to betray,
But falshood still doth stain on honor lay.
