Suade, nam cerium est. br (Advise it, for 'tis fixed). br br Says Richard to Thomas (and seem'd half afraid) br 'I'm thinking to marry thy mistress's maid; br Now, because Mrs. Lucy to thee is well known, br I will do't if thou bidst me, or let it alone. br br Nay, don't make a jest on't; 'tis no jest to me; br For faith I'm in earnest, so prithee, be free. br I have no fault to find with the girl since I knew her, br But I'd have thy advice ere I tie myself to her.' br br Said Thomas to Richard, 'To speak my opinion, br There is not such a bitch in King George's dominion; br And I firmly believe, if thou knew'st her as I do, br Thou wouldst choose out a whipping-post first to be tied to. br br She's peevish, she's thievish, she's ugly, she's old, br And a liar and a fool, and a slut, and a scold.' br Next day Richard hasten'd to church and was wed, br And ere night had inform'd her what Thomas had said.