A Man Who Would Woo a Fair Maid
A MAN who would woo a fair maid,Should ’prentice himself to the trade;And study all day,In methodical way,How to flatter, cajole, and persuade.He should ’prentice himself at fourteenAnd practise from morning to e’en;And when he’s of age,If he will, I’ll engage,He may capture the heart of a queen!It is purely a matter of skill,Which all may attain if they will:But every JackHe must study the knackIf he wants to make sure of his Jill!
If he’s made the best use of his time,His twig he’ll so carefully limeThat every birdWill come down at his word.Whatever its plumage and clime.He must learn that the thrill of a touchMay mean little, or nothing, or much;It’s an instrument rare,To be handled with care,And ought to be treated as such.It is purely a matter of skill,Which all may attain if they will:But every Jack,He must study the knackIf he wants to make sure of his Jill!
Then a glance may be timid or free;It will vary in mighty degree,From an impudent stareTo a look of despairThat no maid without pity can see.And a glance of despair is no guide—It may have its ridiculous side;It may draw you a tearOr a box on the ear;You can never be sure till you’ve tried.It is purely a matter of skill,Which all may attain if they will:But every JackHe must study the knackIf he wants to make sure of his Jill!