Counsel

When deceitful lovers lay
At thy feet their suppliant hearts,
And their snares spread to betray
Thy best treasure with their arts,
Credit not their flatt'ring vows:
Love such perjury allows.

When they with the choicest wealth
Nature boasts of, have possess'd thee;
When with flowers (their verses' stealth),
Stars, or jewels they invest thee,
Trust not to their borrow'd store:
'Tis but lent to make thee poor.

When with poems they invade thee,
Sing thy praises or disdain;
When they weep, and would persuade thee
That their flames beget that rain;
Let thy breast no baits let in:
Mercy 's only here a sin!

Let no tears or offerings move thee,
All those cunning charms avoid;
For that wealth for which they love thee,
They would slight if once enjoy'd.
Who would keep another's heart
With her own must never part.