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Poem
November 1, 1771
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A maiden laments the cruel custom that makes love painful for women, who must hide their feelings, while men enjoy freedom; she calls for equal laws to grant women more liberty or restrict men.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
The Maiden's Complaint.
CUSTOM, alas! does cruel prove,
Nor gives us even Measure;
A Pain it is to Maids to love,
But 'tis to Men a Pleasure,
They freely can their Thoughts disclose,
But ours must burn within;
We have got Eyes and Tongues in vain,
But Truth from us is Sin.
Men to new Joys and Conquests fly,
And yet no Hazards run:
Poor Girls are left if they deny,
And if they yield undone.
Then equal Law let Custom find,
Nor thus the Sex oppress;
More Freedom grant to Womankind,
Or give to Mankind less.
CUSTOM, alas! does cruel prove,
Nor gives us even Measure;
A Pain it is to Maids to love,
But 'tis to Men a Pleasure,
They freely can their Thoughts disclose,
But ours must burn within;
We have got Eyes and Tongues in vain,
But Truth from us is Sin.
Men to new Joys and Conquests fly,
And yet no Hazards run:
Poor Girls are left if they deny,
And if they yield undone.
Then equal Law let Custom find,
Nor thus the Sex oppress;
More Freedom grant to Womankind,
Or give to Mankind less.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Epigram
What themes does it cover?
Satire Society
Love Courtship
Liberty Independence
What keywords are associated?
Maiden Complaint
Unequal Love
Custom Oppression
Women Freedom
Gender Inequality
Poem Details
Title
The Maiden's Complaint.
Subject
Complaint Against Unequal Customs In Love
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
A Pain It Is To Maids To Love,
But 'Tis To Men A Pleasure,
Poor Girls Are Left If They Deny,
And If They Yield Undone.
More Freedom Grant To Womankind,
Or Give To Mankind Less.