If I must die by getting of a son,

'Tis better far the benefit to shun;

Go find some other for your wondrous art;

In fact I'm not inclined with life to part.

HOW strange your conduct, cried the sprightly youth:

Extremes you seek, and overleap the truth;

Just now the fond desire to have a boy

Chased ev'ry care and filled your heart with joy;

At present quite the contrary appears

A moment changed your fondest hopes to fears;