THE
Young Mens
ADVICE
TO
Proud Ladies:
OR,
A Friendly Caution against their Monstrous Dress, Exhorting them to modesty, which will
much more become them.
To the Tune of, How blest are Shepherds, etc.
Licensed according to Order.
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I.
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LAdies of London I strange and admire,
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that you the folly of Pride should adore;
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Throw by the Gawdy and Ranting Attire,
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a modest dress (Lasses) graces you more
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Than a Fantastical Top Knot and Tower,
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Which all your Credit and Fame will devour.
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II.
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Pride is a folly which reigns in Young-women,
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see their black patches and powdered Hair,
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Commodes with Laces and other rich trimming,
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which is their absolute study and care
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How other Fashions may still be invented,
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or else they will not, or cann't be contented.
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III.
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Bridget that comes from the Country Dairy,
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if in fair London she happen to dwell,
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She will be streightway as topping and Airy,
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nay, to her strength she will strive to excel,
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Ladys by birth, who are highly descended,
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And if she cannot she's highly offended.
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IV.
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She that was yesterday ragged and torn,
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in a course Garment of Country gray,
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By her Rich Sattins today must be worn,
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and she more proud than a fair Lady gay,
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Clearly forgetting her Country garment,
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While in fair London she's seeking preferment.
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V.
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Then a Young Citizen doats on her Beauty,
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being her Captive he Marrys her strait,
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And doth account it his absolute duty,
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to make a Mistress of Bridget or Kate;
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Pride and Ambition that minute doth sieze her,
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So that there's nothing of Garments can please her.
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VI.
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She that has never a Groat to her portion,
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but did descend from the meanest degree,
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When she shall mount on the wings of promotion,
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who is more proud and imperious than she,
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Swimming as 'twere in sweet rivers of pleasure,
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At the vast charge of her kind Husbands treasure.
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VII.
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He that would marry a fair charming creature,
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who is endow'd with bright silver and gold,
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His joys will be a thousand times the sweeter,
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as he those plentiful Bags shall behold,
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Beauty and Riches together united,
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Makes the young Lovers in pleasures delighted.
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VIII.
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And with your Riches still strive for discretion,
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that you those mercies may never abuse,
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He that's the Author of any oppression,
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tho' he be great, he the blessing may loose,
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Pride and Ambition hath ruined many,
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But kind and Courteous ne'e prejudic'd any
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