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If Ever I Marry 
If Ever I Marry 
If ever I marry, I'll marry a maid. To marry a widow I'm sore afraid. For maids they are simple and never will grutch (grudge) But widows full oft, as they say, know too much 
A maid is so sweet, and so gentle of kind, That a maid is the wife I will choose to my mind ; A widow is forward, and never will yield; Or if such there be, you will meet them but seeld. (seldom) 
A maid ne'er complaineth, do what so you will; But what you mean well, a widow takes ill. A widow will make you a drudge and a slave, And cost ne'er so much, she will ever go brave. (gaily dress'd) 
A maid is so modest, she seemeth a rose, When first it beginneth the bud to unclose; But a widow full blowen, full often deceives, And the next wind that bloweth shakes down all her leaves. 
That widows be lovely I never gainsay, But too well all their beauty they know to display; But a maid hath so great hidden beauty in store, She can spare to a widow, yet never be poor. 
Then if ever I marry, give me a fresh maid, If to marry with any I be not afraid; But to marry with any it asketh much care, And some bachelors hold they are best as they are. 
From Music of the Olden Time, Chappell ca 1557