To be like a fish, Brisk and quick, is my wish; If thou cam'st with thy line. Thou wouldst soon make me thine. To be like a fish, Brisk and quick, is my wish. Oh, were I a steed! Thou wouldst love me indeed. Oh, were I a car Fit to bear thee afar! Oh, were I a steed! Thou wouldst love me indeed. I would I were gold That thy fingers might hold! If thou boughtest aught then, I'd return soon again. I would I were gold That thy fingers might hold! I would I were true, And my sweetheart still new! To be faithful I'd swear, And would go away ne'er. I would I were true, And my sweetheart still new! I would I were old, And wrinkled and cold, So that if thou said'st No, I could stand such a blow! I would I were old, And wrinkled and cold. An ape I would be, Full of mischievous glee; If aught came to vex thee, I'd plague and perplex thee. An ape I would be, Full of mischievous glee As a lamb I'd behave, As a lion be brave, As a lynx clearly see, As a fox cunning be. As a lamb I'd behave, As a lion be brave. Whatever I were, All on thee I'd confer; With the gifts of a prince My affection evince. Whatever I were, All on thee I'd confer. As nought diff'rent can make me, As I am thou must take me! If I'm not good enough, Thou must cut thine own stuff. As nought diff'rent can make me, As I am thou must take me! 1815.* ----- THE GOLDSMITH'S APPRENTICE. My neighbour, none can e'er deny, Is a most beauteous maid; Her shop is ever in mine eye, When working at my trade. To ring and chain I hammer then The wire of gold assay'd, And think the while: "For Kate, oh when Will such a ring be made?" And when she takes her shutters down, Her shop at once invade, To buy and haggle, all the town, For all that's there displayd. I file, and maybe overfile The wire of gold assay'd; My master grumbles all the while,-- Her shop the mischief made. To ply her wheel she straight begins, When not engaged in trade; I know full well for what she spins,-- 'Tis hope guides that dear maid. Her leg, while her small foot treads on, Is in my mind portray'd; Her garter I recall anon,-- I gave it that dear maid. Then to her lips the finest thread Is by her hand convey'd. Were I there only in its stead, How I would kiss the maid! 1808. ----- ANSWERS IN A GAME OF QUESTIONS. THE LADY. IN the small and great world too, What most charms a woman's heart? It is doubtless what is new, For its blossoms joy impart; Nobler far is what is true, For fresh blossoms it can shoot Even in the time of fruit. THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN. With the Nymphs in wood and cave Paris was acquainted well, Till Zeus sent, to make him rave, Three of those in Heav'n who dwell; And the choice more trouble gave Than e'er fell to mortal lot, Whether in old times or not. THE EXPERIENCED. Tenderly a woman view, And thoult win her, take my word; He who's quick and saucy too,