Firstpublished:1756 Description: A jolly song with a strong feminist message.
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Original text and translations
English text
1 A man that's neither high nor low
in party or in stature,
a rake, a rattle and a beau
and not unused to flatter.
Let him not be a learned fool,
who nods o'er musty books,
who eats and drinks and lives by rule,
and weighs our words and looks.
2 Let him be easy, free and gay,
of dancing never tired,
have always something smart to say
yet silent when required.
Let him be rich, not covetous,
nor generous to excess,
willing that I should keep the purse,
and please myself in dress.
3 A little courage let him have,
from insults to protect me,
provided that he's not so brave
as e'er to contradict me.
Ten thousand pounds a year I like,
but if so much can't be,
you seven from the ten may strike,
I'll be content with three.
4 His face, no matter if 'tis plain,
but let it not be fair,
the man is sure my heart to gain
who can with this compare,
And if some lord should chance agree
with this above description,
though I'm not fond of quality,
it shall be no objection.