Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Although she was best known as a letter writer, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu wrote verses all her life and frequently referred to herself as a "poet." She repeatedly referred to forms of Augustan verse -- satires, verse apistles, mock epics, translations, essays, ballads, and songs -- to respond to events around her and, indirectly, to give public form to her private life and feelings.

"The Lover: A Ballad" is a poem about a girl who wants to find a lover, someone she can marry. Although she desires a man, she is unwilling to give herself to anyone. "But I hate to be cheated, and never will buy/Long years of repentance for moments of joy,/Oh! was there a man (but where shall I find/Good sense and good nature so equally join'd?)/Would value his pleasure, contribute to mine." Uncharacteristic to this time period, she wanted to find a man for love and solely love, rather than for status or wealth. She understands the "consequences" or marrying someone you do not love; how unhappy life can be. She has specific expectations and will not give herself to just anyone; she would rather be alone than in a relationship she did not have actual romantic feelings for.