Ye happy swains, whose hearts are free

Ye happy swains, whose hearts are free
From Love's imperial chain.
Take warning, and be taught by me,
T' avoid th' enchanting pain.

Fatal the wolves to trembling flocks—
Fierce winds to blossoms prove—
To careless seamen, hidden rocks—
To human quiet, love.

Then fly the Fair, if bliss you prize;
The snake's beneath the flower:
Who ever gazed on beauteous eyes,
And tasted quiet more?

How faithless is the lover's joy!
How constant is his care!
The kind with falsehood do destroy,
The cruel with despair.