Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By WilliamYoung

994 Philomel to Corydon

SHEPHERD, wilt thou take counsel of the bird

That oft hath hearkened, from this leafy lair,

To love’s entreaty, and the parting word?—

Sue not so humbly to the haughty fair.

Pipe in her praise upon thine oaten straw,

And pipe the louder when she says thee nay;

Swear that her lightest wish to thee is law,

But break the law twice twenty times a day.

Trust not to argument, or thou ’rt undone;

But calmly, gently, when she doth protest

Her course is East, impel her to the West;

Approve her way, but lead her in thine own.

For learn, fond youth, wouldst thou escape disaster,

That woman likes a slave—but loves a master.