I wou'd the Beauties of the Mind prefer.
Among the Few, I'd have a Man of Sense,
Endu'd with Modesty and Temperance;
Not with a great, and yet a good Estate;
Not too much Learning, nor Illiterate,
And yet he shou'd (avoiding each extream)
Know more of Man, than Man shou'd know of him.
Be Gen'rous and Well-bred, but not Profuse;
Not giv'n to Flattery, nor to take th' Abuse:
Gentile his Carriage, and his Humour such,
Shou'd speak him Sociable, but no Debauch.
A Lover of his Country, and a Friend to Wit
Read _Poetry_ he shou'd, but shou'd not write;
His Temper Lively, not to _Wildness_ bent,
His Talk Diverting, and yet Innocent;
Not Unreserv'd, nor yet too Nicely Wise,
Apter to Bear, than Offer Injuries;
Courage enough his Honour to defend,
But Constant in his Love, and Faithful to his Friend.

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.