To's Friends, and what he was, a Stranger grown;
Till soon some turn of a Revolving State,
Leaves him to Curse _Ambition_, and his Fate;
Threaten'd with Want, perhaps the Youngster Writes,
And Lives (or rather Starves Genteely) by his Wits.

Therefore, _Melissa_, Guard thee from surprize;
Let none of these betray thee, if thou'rt Wise;
Let not their Songs, nor Sighs, thy Soul Entice.
But if thou wou'dst be happy in thy Choice,
Above 'em all, a Gentleman prefer;
One free from Bus'ness, undisturb'd with Care;
Yet in the Publick Good (without Vile ends)
To serve his Country, and his Countries Friends:
Travel his Understanding shou'd improve;
For as it helps his Knowledge, 'twould his Love.
As to his Person, 'tis not to advise;
All Women see not with the self-same Eyes.
In that you might your own Opinion use,
Your Heart wou'd teach you; but were I to chuse,
He shou'd not be Effeminate or Proud,
(I hate the Man that is by Pride subdu'd).
In us I Grant a little Pride may be,
Much less a Crime (and may with Sense agree)
A Gift alone for our own Sex design'd,
To awe the loose Opinions of Mankind;
Who quickly else more Insolent wou'd grow:
'Tis Vertue's Guard, and Aids our Beauties too.

A Gay Appearance shou'd not make me err;