Suade, nam cerium est. <br />(Advise it, for 'tis fixed). <br /> <br />Says Richard to Thomas (and seem'd half afraid) <br />'I'm thinking to marry thy mistress's maid; <br />Now, because Mrs. Lucy to thee is well known, <br />I will do't if thou bidst me, or let it alone. <br /> <br />Nay, don't make a jest on't; 'tis no jest to me; <br />For faith I'm in earnest, so prithee, be free. <br />I have no fault to find with the girl since I knew her, <br />But I'd have thy advice ere I tie myself to her.' <br /> <br />Said Thomas to Richard, 'To speak my opinion, <br />There is not such a bitch in King George's dominion; <br />And I firmly believe, if thou knew'st her as I do, <br />Thou wouldst choose out a whipping-post first to be tied to. <br /> <br />She's peevish, she's thievish, she's ugly, she's old, <br />And a liar and a fool, and a slut, and a scold.' <br />Next day Richard hasten'd to church and was wed, <br />And ere night had inform'd her what Thomas had said.<br /><br />William Shenstone<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/progress-of-advice/
