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. | |
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. | |
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. | |