O! who but a fool would e’er venture to take,

For a bride such a trumpery gingerbread cake;

Yet whose humble conceits, without twopence to spare,

Would lead her to think she’s a match for a mayor.

FROM A TRADESMAN TO HIS VALENTINE.

If you’ll my partner be for life,

My Valentine I shall regard;

But you must be a frugal wife,

Because the times are very hard.

I’ll give you what is good I vow,