| T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22. | | | | Song: “Custom, alas! doth partial prove” | | Anonymous |
| | (From The Cupid, 1736)
CUSTOM, alas! doth partial prove, | |
| Nor gives us even measure: | |
| To maids it is a pain to love, | |
| But ’tis to men a pleasure. | |
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| They freely can their thoughts explain, | 5 |
| Whilst ours must burn within: | |
| We have got eyes and tongues in vain, | |
| And truth from us is sin. | |
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| Men to new joys and conquests fly, | |
| And yet no hazard run. | 10 |
| Poor we are left if we deny; | |
| Or if we yield, undone. | |
| |
| Then equal laws let custom find, | |
| Nor either sex oppress: | |
| More freedom give to womankind, | 15 |
| Or give to mankind less. | | | | |
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