THE REDEEMED CAPTIVE.  
The Free Unchained Lover boasts  
That he is now at Large.  
That other men should keep so too  
He gives this friendly charge.  
Tune, When Aurelia first was  
 
 

surely now I'm out of danger  
I'll defy blind Cupid's Dart  
Love to me is grown a stranger  
Therefore i'll not break my heart.   

Yet all the graces of their faces  
They may keep, since I am free  
Some are witty, some are pretty  
For I'll keep my Liberty.   

Once I loved my Mistress dearly  
Counting her my chiefest friend  
Than I waited late and early  
My true Love to recommend.   

I quenched the fire of desire  
That did burn so cruelly  
Then farewell Beauty, 'tis my duty  
For to prise my Liberty.   

Once to me she was so cruel  
She laughed to see me swim in blood  
And when I burned I burned like fuel  
Grief came on me like a flood,   

Sighs & groan, sobs & mournings  
Were my chief companions still  
When I lay panting, for love wanting  
Then she had me at her will   

The grief and sorrow I went thorough  
Made my life a burden seem  
I thought 'twas time, while in my prime  
My Liberty for to redeem.   

I'm now compliance, with defiance  
And scorn a captive still to be  
No charming eyes shall me surprise  
Since I have gained my Liberty.   

I pity Lovers who discovers  
To their Idols all their pain  
Who soon can cure, what they endure  
And yet they stubborn will remain.   

Count it not duty, when a beauty  
You do see, it to adore  
If once they find it, do but mind it  
You're enslaved for evermore.   

Do but mind me, & you'll find me  
For to be your chiefest friend  
When you're taken, and forsaken  
Griefs and sorrows will attend.   

Oft their smile prove beguilings  
And poor men are strangely caught  
They prove like Treason to your reason  
And lay Embargoes on each thought.   

Never heed 'em, for your freedom  
Is of greater value, then  
Why should women, captive freemen  
Or make slaves of loving men.   

Dote no meor then, nor adore them  
Whose great beauty's make them proud  
Do but fly them, or defy them  
Favours on you they will crowd.