Or little children hate a rod;

As much as critics hate a pun,

Or wretched debtors hate a dun:

In short, a flatterer I hate,

As much as dandies love to prate.

TO A LADY.

I boast not eloquence, dear Miss,

Nor do I write exceeding fine;

Therefore, I bluntly ask you this—

Pray, will you be my Valentine?