Dr. Henry Hughes (c. 1602–c. 1652)

LOVE thee! good sooth, not I!

I’ve somewhat else to do;

Alas, you must go learn to talk,

Before you learn to woo.

Nay, fie! stand off, go to!

Because you’re in the fashion,

And newly come to Court;

D’ye think, your clothes are orators

T’ invite us to the sport?

Ha, Ha! Who will not jeer thee for’t.

Ne’er look so sweetly, youth,

Nor fiddle with your band;

We know, you trim your borrowed curls

To show your pretty hand.

But ’tis too young for to command.

Go, practise how to jeer;

And think each word a jest;

That’s the Court wit. Alas, you’re out,

To think when finely drest,

You please me, or the ladies, best.

Mark, how Sir Whacham fools;

Aye, marry, there’s a wit!

Who cares not what he says, or swears;

So ladies laugh at it;

Who can deny such blades a bit!