Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BALLAD TO THE TUNE OF 'I'LL HAVE MY LOVE, OR I'LL HAVE ONE', by PATRICK CAREY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BALLAD TO THE TUNE OF 'I'LL HAVE MY LOVE, OR I'LL HAVE ONE', by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Some praise the brown, and some the fair
Last Line: I'll only tell to some choice friend.
Subject(s): Likes & Dislikes; Love - Materialism; Money


I

SOME praise the brown, and some the fair;
Some best like black, some flaxen hair:
Some love the tall, and some the low;
Some choose, who's quick; and some, who's slow.

II

If in all men one mind did dwell,
Too many would lead apes in hell:
But, that no maid her mate may lack,
For every Joan there is a Jack.

III

Thus, I have mine own fancy too;
And vow, none but the poor to woo;
My love shall come (when e'er I wed)
As naked to the church, as bed.

IV

The fair, the chaste, the wisest dame,
Though nobly born, and of best fame,
(By all the gods,) would ne'er enthrall
My heart, if she were rich withall.

V

I money count as great a fault,
As poorness is 'mongst others thought:
With thousand goods you'll find supplied
The want of portion in a bride.

VI

There's no such gag, to still the loud;
There's no such curb, to rule the proud:
It never fails to stint all strife;
It makes one master of his wife.

VII

Should I reveal each good effect,
(Though poverty now bring neglect,)
Suitors would throng about the poor,
Ne'er knocking at the rich maid's door.

VIII

Then, lest that some should surfeits want,
And others starve the while for want,
What rests (the rich not to offend,)
I'll only tell to some choice friend.





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