First, then, a woman will or wont, depend on t; If she will do t, she will; and there s an end on t. But if she wont, since safe and sound your trust is, Fear is affront, and jealousy injustice.1
Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you for your pains; Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains.
T is the same with common natures: Use em kindly, they rebel; But be rough as nutmeg-graters, And the rogues obey you well.
Verses written on a window in Scotland.
Note 1. The following lines are copied from the pillar erected on the mount in the Dane John Field, Canterbury:
Where is the man who has the power and skill To stem the torrent of a womans will? For if she will, she will, you may depend on t; And if she wont, she wont; so there s an end on t. The Examiner, May 31, 1829. [back]