Advice to a Lady

PHILLIS, give this humour over,
We too long have time abus'd ;
I shall turn an errant rover.
If the favour's still refus'd.
Faith ! 'tis nonsense out of measure,
Without ending thus to see
Women forc'd to taste a pleasure
Which they love as well as we.
Let not pride and folly share you,
We were made but to enjoy ;
Ne'er will age or censure spare you,
E'er the more for being coy.
Never fancy Time's before you,
Youth, believe me, will away;
Then, alas ! who will adore you.
Or to wrinkles tribute pay ?
All the swains on you attending
Show how much your charms deserve ;
But, miser-like, for fear of spending,
You amidst your plenty starve.
While a thousand freer lasses.
Who their youth and charms employ.
Though your beauty their's surpasses.
Live in far more perfect joy.