Written the First Year I was Marry’d

While thirst of power, and desire of fame,

In every age is every wonan’s aim;

Of beauty vain, of silly toasters proud,

Fond of a train, and happy in a crowd,

On every fop bestowing a kind glance,

Each conquest owing to some loose advance,

Affect to fly, in hopes to be persu’d,

And think they’re virtuous, if not grossly lewd:

Let this sure maxim be my virtue’s guide,

In part to blame she is, who has been try’d;

Too near he has approach’d, who is deny’d.

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu