THE FAIR CELIBATE.

They say, “’Tis time, go, marry! go!” But I’ll no husband! not I! no! For I would live all carelessly, Amidst these hills, a maiden free, And never ask, nor anxious be, Of wedded weal or woe. Yet still they say, “Go, marry! go!” But I’ll no husband! not I! no! So, mother, think not I shall wed, And through a tiresome life be led, Or use, in folly’s ways instead, What grace the heaven’s bestow— Yet still they say, “Go, marry! go!” But I’ll no husband! not I! no! The man has not been born, I ween, Who as my husband shall be seen; And since what frequent tricks have been Undoubtingly I know,— In vain they say, “Go, marry! go!” For I’ll no husband! not I! no!