If ever I marry, I'll marry a maid; <br />To marry a widow, I am sore afraid: <br />For maids they are simple, and never will grutch, <br />But widows full oft, as they say, know too much. <br /> <br />A maid is so sweet, and so gentle of kind, <br />That a maid is the wife I will choose to my mind <br />A widow is froward, and never will yield; <br />Or if such there be, you will meet them but seeld. <br /> <br />A maid ne'er complaineth, do what so you will; <br />But what you mean well, a widow takes ill: <br />A widow will make you a drudge and a slave, <br />And, cost ne'er so much, she will ever go brave. <br /> <br />A maid is so modest, she seemeth a rose <br />When it first beginneth the bud to unclose; <br />But a widow full-blowen full often deceives, <br />And the next wind that bloweth shakes down all her leaves. <br /> <br />The widows be lovely, I never gainsay, <br />But too well all their beauty they know to display; <br />But a maid hath so great hidden beauty in store, <br />She can spare to a widow, yet never be poor. <br /> <br />Then, if ever I marry, give me a fresh maid, <br />If to marry with any I be not afraid; <br />But to marry with any, it asketh much care; <br />And some bachelors hold they are best as they are.<br /><br />Anonymous Americas<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/if-i-ever-marry-i-ll-marry-a-maid/
