LINES,

Written by a Lady who was Questioned
respecting her Inclination to Marry:

With an heart light as cork, and mind free as air
Unshackled I’ll live, and I’ll die, I declare;
No ties shall perplex me, no fetters shall 
           bind,
That innocent freedom that dwells in my 
           mind.
At liberty’s spring, such draughts I’ve 
          imbibed,
That I hate all the doctrines by wedlock 
          prescribed.
Its law of obedience could never suit me,
My spirit’s too lofty, my thoughts are too
           free.
Like an haughty republic my heart with
           disdain
Views the edicts of Hymen, and laughs at           
his chain,
Abhors his tyrannical systems and modes,
His bastiles, his shackles, his maxims, and
           codes,
Inquires why women consent to be tools
And calmly conform to such rigorous 
           rules;
Inquires in vain, for no reasons appear
Why matrons should live in subjection and 
           fear.
But round freedom’s fair standard I’ve rallied and paid
A vow of allegiance to die an old maid.
Long live the Republic of freedom and
           ease,
May its subjects live happy and do as they 
            please. 

Massachusetts Magazine or Monthly Museum,

September 1794