William James Linton (1812–1897)

FAINT heart wins not lady fair:

Victory smiles on those who dare,

There is but one way to woo—

Think thy Mistress willing too!

Leave her never chance to choose,

Hold her powerless to refuse.

If she answer thee with No,

Wilt thou bow and let her go?—

When, most like, her ‘No’ is meant

But to make more sweet consent;

So thy suit may longer be

For so much she liketh thee.

Never heed her pretty airs!

He ’s no lover who despairs;

He ’s no warrior whom a frown

Drives from his beleaguer’d town;

And no hunter he who stops

Till his stricken quarry drops.

Aim as certain not to miss;

Take her as thou would’st a kiss!

Or ask once, and if in vain,

Ask her twice, and thrice again:

Sure of this when all is said,—

They lose most who are afraid.