Advice to the Girls + 

Nay, do not blush! I only heard + 

You had a mind to marry; + 

I thought I’d speak a friendly word, + 

So just one moment tarry. + 

Wed not a man whose merit lies + 

In things of outward show, + 

In raven hair or flashing eyes. + 

That please your fancy so. + 

But marry one who’s good and kind, + 

And free from all pretence; + 

Who, if without a gifted mind, + 

At least has common sense. + 