Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 4. AFFECTED INDIFFERENCE, by MARK AKENSIDE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 4. AFFECTED INDIFFERENCE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes: you contemn the perjured maid
Last Line: You meant the fair apostate to upbraid?
Subject(s): Love


I.

YES: you contemn the perjured maid
Who all your favourite hopes betray'd:
Nor, though her heart should home return,
Her tuneful tongue its falsehood mourn,
Her winning eyes your faith implore,
Would you her hand receive again,
Or once dissemble your disdain,
Or listen to the siren's theme,
Or stoop to love: since now esteem,
And confidence, and friendship is no more.

II.

Yet tell me, Phædria, tell me why,
When summoning your pride you try
To meet her looks with cool neglect,
Or cross her walk with slight respect,
(For so is falsehood best repaid,)
Whence do your cheeks indignant glow?
Why is your struggling tongue so slow?
What means that darkness on your brow?
As if with all her broken vow
You meant the fair apostate to upbraid?





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