Cupid's counsel

Sylvia the fair, in the bloom of fifteen,

Was a trifle perplexed as she stepped o'er the green,

Just a trifle uncertain, and somewhat oppressed

By the fluttering beats of the heart in her breast.

For how could she choose 'mid the lads that were there,

All awaiting to ply her with compliments rare,

All cajoling, bepraising, / admiring, imploring,

Protesting, confessing, / beseeching, adoring,

Their fondness for her to declare.

“Ah!” she cried, “ah! tell me how shall a maid

Know the true from the false with no soul to her aid!

Would that Whig or Tory, or Trimmer, at least,

Would that Protestant parson or Catholic priest

Might instruct a young lass to develop a flair

For the one who sincerely his love doth declare;

When cajoling, bepraising, / admiring, imploring,

Protesting, confessing, / beseeching, adoring,

All ply her with compliments rare.

Cupid in shape of a swain did appear.

He saw her perplexed and he said, drawing near;

“Your heart, if you listen, will tell you, my dear,

Who's sincere in the speeches he pours in your ear.”

Then her heart the one found, amid all of them there,

Who with sighs and endearments were filling the air,

All cajoling, bepraising, / admiring, imploring,

Protesting, confessing, / beseeching, adoring,

To whom she her love could declare.