Like some fair girl in beauty's bloom, To court her, see what suitors come! An heiress, she, to large estate, What rivals for her favours wait!
All haste to clasp her in their arms, Each sees in her a thousand charms — The Gems that on her bosom glow Attract where love was cold —‘ till now.
Freed from a cruel parent's care, This maid so wealthy and so fair Of each that for possession sues Can hardly tell which beau to choose.
Proud of his vast extended reign, ( His fancied empire o'er the main ) The Briton came, with haughty stride, Preferr'd his suit — but was denied.
She thought his style, by much, too rude, By ruffians she would not be woo'd; From Man she wish'd to choose a mate, But not in such a savage state.
A Dane, a Dutchman, and a Swede All hop'd to enjoy the charming maid: The Russian, bred in frost and snow, Made love to her that said — no, no.
The Spaniard grave, with cloak and sword, Some favour from the nymph implor'd — Vain were his tears and coaxing art — She could not bear a jealous heart.
The Turk himself, to engage her love, From Asia's coasts began to move; While faded lay his Tartar crown He sigh'd to make this girl his own.
In vain they paid the fond address — No Pope, no Sultan would she bless — No monarch, tho’ allur'd with art, Could gain her wealth, or touch her heart.
The Frenchman comes — salutes the fair — She likes his gallant, marshal air!— With eager eye, around her waist He clasp'd his arms, and her embrac'd:
Smit with his lofty, generous mien, She admires the Gaul, as soon as seen, Grants him her Commerce — yields her charms, And takes a hero to her arms!
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