The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Dialogue. Occasioned by a young Gentleman refusing a Lady for her

RAY tell me, Mamma, says young Cupid of late,
Are the arts, I once us'd with success, out of date?
Can Man be resolv'd all my pow'r to defy,
And put my soft laws with indignity by?
Do they more resolution than ever possess,
That no darts from my quiver their hearts can oppress?
It sure must be so, prithee tell me, dear mother,
Or Damon's not mortal, 'tis one or the other.
Oh Child! I can't answer, reply'd Beauty's Queen.
From the very same cause I'm half dead with the spleen:
I have oft seen the youth, and as often have try'd
To conquer his reason and humble his pride:
I Beauty and Fortune have thrown at his feet,
And lavish'd my treasure his favour to meet:
But o strangely inflexible yet he remains,
He's resolv'd to keep Freedom in spight of my pains.
How! my friends, says Minerva, a moment be mute,
And my arguments quickly shall end the dispute:
No bauble you've offer'd his peace can destroy.
For his reason's too strong to be caught with a toy:
To the gay flirting Fop, who with head full of air,
Is fix'd at the sight of each beautiful Fair,
Leave charms such as these, for young Damon you'll find
Will be mov'd by no charms, but the charms of the mind
His taste, like his merit, has ever been true,
And 'tis only my graces his soul can subdue:
The Nymph must be form'd by my guidance alone:
Have judgment, discretion, and sense like his own:
Whose wit far out-sparkles the beam of her eye,
And whose resolute virtue temptations defy:
Whose delicate manners and justness of thought,
By reason, good breeding, and prudence, are taught:
Not too coy nor too forward, when conquest's in view,
But will modestly yield when true merit will sue:
Whose gentle affection can sooth every care;
Who can weep for each pang her lov'd partner must bear?
Who to you th hand sweet temper, with caution har join'd
An amiable heart and an elegant mind:
Whose innocent conduct no vice can perplex,
And who lives the example and boast of her sex,
You may find a fair maid, gentle friends, if you please,
But 'tis I must supply her with beauties like these:
By me thus directed so lovely he'll prove,
The youth will be quickly a vot'ry to love:
I'll just give my assistance, and soon you will see.
The man who scorns you is a captive to me:
May his sex take example, and join in his voice.
For good sense & sound judgement determines his choice.