(From a recently published MS, temp. James I.) Maides And Widowes.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 385, 11 April 1849, Page 3

(From a recently published MS, temp. James I.) M aides And Widowes.

If ever I marry, lie marry a maide • To marry a widowe I am sore nfrayde : For maydes they are simple, and never will grutch, But widowes full oft, as they saie, know too much. A maide is so swerte and so gentle of kinde, That a maide as the wyfe I will choose to my mynde: A widowe is froward, and never will yeeld ; Or if such there be, jou will meet them but seeld. A raaidc nere complaineth, do what so you will; But what you meane well a widowe takes ill: A widowe will make you a drudge and a-slave, And cost nere so much, she will ever go brave. A maide is so modest, she seemeth a rose, When it first Beginneth the bud to unclose; But * widowe full blowen full often deceives, [leaves. And the next winde that bloweth shakes downe all her That widowes be lovelie, I never gainsaye, But too well all their bew ie they know to display ; But a maide hath so great hidden bewty in store, She can spare to a widowe, yet never be pore. Then, if I marry, give me a freshe maide, If to marry with anie I need be not afiayde; But to marry with anie it asketh much care, And some bachelors hold they are best as they are.