This is the Man I'd to my Heart prefer; } Such Men, _Melissa_, well deserve our Care; } You'll say they're Scarce, and I must grant they are. } Yet I resolve by such a Man, or none, (Unless by Love betray'd) I will be won. But were I Woo'd by the _Embellish'd Youth_; His Soul susceptible of Love and Truth: By easie steps he shou'd attain my Heart, By all the Proofs of Breeding, Wit, and Art. Then like some Town, by _War-like Numbers_ sought, That long against its Enemies has fought, And oft with Courage brav'd the _shining Field_, } Yet in the end by Want or Force compell'd, } It does with Honour to the _Conqueror_ Yield. } So to my Lover I'd my Heart resign, The Conquest his, the Glory should be mine. With mutual Love my Nuptials shou'd be Blest, } Then to my Arms I'd call the Welcome Guest, } And Celebrate with Joy great _Hymen_'s Feast. } Marriage is Bondage, but where _Cupid_ Reigns, The Yoke is easie; Glorious are the Chains: His Fetters please, nor wish we to be Free, But Glory in the Loss of Liberty: And yet but half our Thanks we owe the Boy, He gives us Love, 'tis _Hymen_ gives us Joy; Well might the Poets feign those Gods a-kin, For we are only Happy where they join. As when _Aurora_ does the Bridal Morn, With an uncommon Gayety Adorn From its Illustrious Pride with ease we may Foretel the Brightness of the coming Day: So when true Love the Sacred Tye precedes, Secure of Happiness that Couple weds; No Threat'ning Storms do e'er Molest their Joy, Nor Anxious Quarrels do their Peace destroy; Their days slide on in the securest ease, And Circle in Eternal Rounds of Bliss.