’Tis thee alone that I would serve, Then to my suit incline, Nor from your humble servant swerve, But be his Valentine. ANSWER OF COMPLIANCE. I have receiv’d your Valentine, And ponder’d upon every line; And if I must confess the truth, I think you are a charming youth. ANSWER OF REJECTION. Pray keep your place where plenty reigns, The thought is a bad sign; If you gave up your ways and means, How could you keep a Valentine? Such idleness I can’t endure; Then mind I do advise, When poverty is at the door, Love out of window flies. FROM A GENTLEMAN. When first I saw thee I would fain Have feasted on the sight again-- That thy sweet figure I may ’twine, Consent to be my Valentine. ANSWER OF COMPLIANCE. To thee this answer I address, For soon did I the author guess; But, ere my person I resign, I wish to see my Valentine. ANSWER OF REJECTION. Love, when sudden, is not right, Who can judge, pray, at first sight? Madness you with love combine, Is’t thus you seek a Valentine? FROM ANY ONE IN GREAT OR HUMBLE CIRCUMSTANCES, TO A LADY THAT IS FOND OF SINGING. Mark well--“Oh, thou wert born to please me,” ’Tis true--“My dear, my only love”-- Then with a negative don’t teaze me-- But your fond Valentine approve. “Come, live with me and be my love”-- And you shall sing “sweet home” each day; So happy, we’ll together rove “Over the hills and far away.” ANSWER OF COMPLIANCE. I understand, Sir, what you mean, So you may get the wedding ring; “Ah, sure a pair were never seen,” The people all around will sing. “Sweet home!” is a delightful song, “Begone, dull Care,” shall give us cheer “A snug little cot” we’ll have ere long-- “The charming fellow” you shall hear. ANSWER OF REJECTION. “Go, naughty man, I can’t abide you,” “Cease your cunning” so malign; There are other men beside you, And a better Valentine. FROM A GENTLEMAN. I am a gentleman by birth-- A competency boast; Of all the fair ones upon earth, Thee I admire the most. Thou art accomplish’d--quite refin’d-- An angel, so divine! Then, since thou’rt suited to my mind Pray be my Valentine. ANSWER OF COMPLIANCE. If I indeed thy heart possess, Why should I let thee pine? No, candidly I will confess, Thou art my Valentine. ANSWER OF REJECTION. Thy boast of birth I must deride, My family’s as good as thine-- Sir, I detest such empty pride, And scorn to be thy Valentine. Thy hope to wheedle is in vain, There’s flattery in every line; Reform, if e’er you hope t’ obtain, A noble-minded Valentine. FROM A GENTLEMAN. Think not I love with feeble flame; Think not my love untrue; And think, if I am aught to blame In too much loving you.