The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register

POET's CORNER

SONG.

Should you ask me, what female dear I require
Addressed To a YOUNG LADY.
To relish the conjugal life;
Nor beauty, nor titles, nor wealth I desire
To bias my choice in a wife:
The charms of a face may occasion a sigh.;
The costly allurements of art,
May yield a short moment of joy to the eye,
But gives no delight to the heart.
Would equipage, splendor, or noble descent
Bring comfort wherever they fall.
Could these add a drop to the cup of content,
I'd gladly partake of them all:
But vain the alliance proud riches bestow,
The raptures that beauty may part,
Too often the painful reflections of woe.
Or banish delights from the heart.
Then give me the temper unclouded and gay,
The countenance ever serene,
To cheer with sweet converse as youth wears away,
And dissipate anger and spleen;
Whose smiles may endear and enliven the hours
Retirement shall oft set apart;
Whose virtues may soothe when disquietude lowers
And tenderness cherish the heart.
For fortune, be honor her portion assign'd,
For beauty, bright health's rosy bloom,
Let juice and candor ennoble her mind,
And cheerfulness sorrow consume:
Thus formed; would she share with me life's little store,
Its mixture of pleasure and smart,
She'd ever continue, 'till both were no more,
The constant delight of my heart.