Phillis, give this humour over, <br />We too long have time abused; <br />I shall turn an errant rover <br />If the favour's still refused. <br /> <br />Faith 'tis nonsense out of measure, <br />Without ending thus to see <br />Women forced to taste a pleasure <br />Which they love as well as we. <br /> <br />Let not pride and folly share you, <br />We were made but to enjoy; <br />Ne'er will Age or Censure spare you <br />E'er the more for being coy. <br /> <br />Never fancy time's before you; <br />Youth believe me will away; <br />Then, alas! who will adore you, <br />Or to wrinkles tribute pay? <br /> <br />All the swains on you attending <br />Show how much your charms deserve; <br />But, miser-like, for fear of spending <br />You amidst your plenty starve. <br /> <br />While a thousand freer lasses, <br />Who their youth and charms employ, <br />Though your beauty theirs surpasses, <br />Live in far more perfect joy.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/songs-set-to-music-19-set-by-mr-c-r/
