The Evening Argus

I asked of Echo t'other day
(Whose words are few and funny,)
What to a novice she would say-
Of courtship, love and matrimony?
Quoth Echo, plainly, "Matter o' money!"
Whom should I marry? -should it be
A dashing damsel, gay and pert,
A pattern of inconstancy,
Or selfish, mercenary flirt?
Quoth Echo, sharply, "Nary flirt!"
What, if weary of the strife,
That long has lured the dear deceiver,
She promised to amend her life
And in no more--can I believe her?
Quoth Echo, with decision, "Leave her!"
But, if some maiden with a heart
On me should venture to bestow it,
Pray, should I act the wiser part,
To take the treasure or forego it?
Quoth Echo, very promptly, "Go it!"
But what, if seemingly afraid
To bind her heart in Hymen's fetter,
She vows she means to die a maid,
In answer to my loving letter?
Quoth Echo, very coolly, "Let her!"
What if, in spite of her disdain,
I find my heart entwined about
With Cupid's dear, delicious chain.
So closely that I can't get out?
Quoth Echo, laughingly, "Get out!"
But, if some maid with beauty blest,
As pure and fair as Heaven can make her,
Will share my labor and my rest
Till envious Death doth overtake her?
Quoth Echo, sotto voce, "Take her!"