card-tables are set, you must not play For ought beyond the value of one shilling: This is my firm decree, although you may, As ladies mostly are, be very willing. I bid you cease, for into debt 't will run ye, Do you no good, but spend your husband's money.
Husbands are fools who let their wives do so,-- I scarce can pity when I see them ruin'd. For when they squander all, they ought to know, Destruction is a consequence pursuant. When each has turn'd his home into a sad-house, He then finds out that he deserves a mad-house.
I do denounce, in all the songs you sing, The words, sweet, lovely, dear angelic charmer, Flames, darts, sighs, wishes, hopes,--they only bring Thoughts to a lady which perchance may harm her. You therefore must consider as ironic Every expression which is not Platonic.
The whole poem is written in a droll, satirical strain, and shows a great familiarity with the topics of ancient and modern literature.
