Page:Stories of Bewick and Graham (1823).pdf/17

 Said he, Madam, pray what mean you!

In my life I'voI've [sic] never seen you:

Pray unmask, your visage show,

Then I'll tell you Aye or No.

I will not my face uncover

Till the marriagomarriage [sic] ties are over,

ThereforoTherefore [sic] choose you which you will,

Wed me, sir, or try your skill.

Step within that pleasant bower,

With your friend one single hour;

StrivoStrive [sic] your thoughts to reconcile,

And I'll wander here the while.

While this charming lady waited,

ThoThe [sic] young bachelors debated,

What was best for to be done:

Quoth his friend, thothe [sic] hazard run.

If my judgment can be trusted,

Wed her first-you can't be worsted;

If she's rich, you'll risorise [sic] to fame,

If she's poor, why you're the same.

He consented to be married;

In her coach they all werowere [sic] carried,

To a church without delay,

Where hohe [sic] weds the lady gay.

The sweet pretty Cupids hover'd

Round her eyes, her face was cover'd

With a mask-he took her thus,

Just for better or for worse.

With a courteous kind behaviour,

ShoShe [sic] presents his friend a favour,

And withal dismiss'd him straight,

That he might no longer wait.