Advice to the Girls

Nay, do not blush! I only heard
   You had a mind to marry;
I thought I’d speak a friendly word,
   So just one moment tarry.

Wed not a man whose merit lies
   In things of outward show,
In raven hair or flashing eyes,
   That please your fancy so.

But marry one who’s good and kind,
   And free from all pretence;
Who, if without a gifted mine,
   At least has common sense.

This poem is in the public domain.