Poetical recreations consisting of original poems, songs, odes, &c. with several new translations : in two parts / part I, occasionally written by Mrs. Jane Barker, part II, by several gentlemen of the universities, and others.

A Batchelor's Life, in pursuit of Mrs. BARKER's Verses in Praise of a Single Life.

By the Author of the Ten preceding Copies.

SInce, O ye Pow'rs, it is by your decree, For Women I've so great indiff'rencie: Suffer me not by Love to be mis-led; Let nought induce me to the Nuptial Bed. Let no frail Beauties to my Eyes resort, Lest those false Centinels betray the Fort. But if blind Cupid with a poys'nous Dart, Shou'd chance to penetrate my Marble Heart; Then let an Icy chillness freeze my blood, And stop the active motion of its slood: So may I in this happy state abide, And laugh at those a Single Life deride: Whilst they (b'ing caught in wretched Wedlock's Noose Do both their fr••e••om and their pleasures loose; For cursed Avarice and Iealousie, Attends on him th' unlucky Knot doth tye; His Soul to Mirth can never be inclin'd, For Cares and Fears ever distract his Mind.

Wou'd he be merry, straight his Consorts Noise, E'er he can think th' Abortive thought, destroys. And if his Spouse proves Barren, then he prays To Heav'n for Children, or to end her days: But if o'er-stock'd, the Husband then repines At the too fruitfull Issue of his Loins. Then are his thoughts employ'd to get and spare, And make provision for a wanton Heir.

How happy is he then, who's free to chuse; And when he will, accept, when not, refuse. No Cares in Love can discompose his Breast, Nor Anxious Fears e'er rob him of his Rest: But unconcern'd he is in things to come; If London please not, Paris is his home. Yet a Fond Wife, or Wanton pratling Boy, Perhaps might all his gen'rous thoughts destroy.