Here you will find the Poem If I Ever Marry, I'll Marry A Maid of poet Anonymous Americas
If ever I marry, I'll marry a maid; To marry a widow, I am sore afraid: For maids they are simple, and never will grutch, But widows full oft, as they say, know too much. A maid is so sweet, and so gentle of kind, That a maid is the wife I will choose to my mind A widow is froward, and never will yield; Or if such there be, you will meet them but seeld. A maid ne'er complaineth, do what so you will; But what you mean well, a widow takes ill: A widow will make you a drudge and a slave, And, cost ne'er so much, she will ever go brave. A maid is so modest, she seemeth a rose When it first beginneth the bud to unclose; But a widow full-blowen full often deceives, And the next wind that bloweth shakes down all her leaves. The widows be lovely, I never gainsay, But too well all their beauty they know to display; But a maid hath so great hidden beauty in store, She can spare to a widow, yet never be poor. Then, if ever I marry, give me a fresh maid, If to marry with any I be not afraid; But to marry with any, it asketh much care; And some bachelors hold they are best as they are.
