| J. C. Squire, ed. A Book of Women’s Verse. 1921. | | | | In Answer to a Lady Who Advised Retirement | | By Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) |
| | | YOU little know the heart that you advise; | |
| I view this various scene with equal eyes: | |
| In crowded courts I find myself alone, | |
| And pay my worship to a nobler throne. | |
| Long since the value of this world I know, | 5 |
| Pity the madness, and despise the show: | |
| Well as I can my tedious part I bear, | |
| And wait for my dismission without fear. | |
| Seldom I mark mankind’s detested ways, | |
| Not hearing censure, nor affecting praise; | 10 |
| And, unconcern’d, my future fate I trust | |
| To that sole Being, merciful and just. | | | | |
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