Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Here you will find thePoemThe Lady's Resolveof poet Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

The Lady's Resolve

Written on a window, soon after her marriage, 1713. Whilst thirst of praise and vain desire of fame, In every age is every woman's aim; With courtship pleas'd, of silly toasters proud, Fond of a train, and happy in a crowd; On each proud fop bestowing some kind glance, Each conquest owing to some loose advance; While vain coquets affect to be pursued, And think they're virtuous, if not grossly lewd: Let this great maxim be my virtue's guide; In part she is to blame that has been try'd -- He comes too near, that comes to be deny'd.