Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/7

 Our bodies are like ermine fair,

As black as jet our eyes;

But tho‘ so like in every feature,

We rival brothers be;

Yet so obdurate is our nature,

We often disagree.

Sometimes we play the friendly part,

And sometimes act the foe,

Now transient happiness impart,

Then cause a future woe.

Thousands by us have curs‘d their fate ,

Plung'd in the gulph of sin;

Happy the youth who shuns the bait

And dreads the fatal gin.

Like Lady Patch, in different dress,

I either sex can ape;

And like her all mankind confess,

Have comeliness and shape

Had she the innocence of me,

And I her air and parts.

She would a perfect goddess be,

And I should gain more hearts.

There was a thing a full month old,

When Adam was no more;

But ere that thing was five weeks old,

Adam was years live-score.

Tho' you seem of me fond—for my safety provide,

And when you walk out take me close by your side;

Yet you oft use me ill, which I take in good part,

Nor e'er murmur a sigh though I'm stabb'd to the heart.