Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A FANCY, by THOMAS CAREW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A FANCY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mark how this polish'd eastern sheet
Last Line: To fold up silks may wrap up wit.
Subject(s): Cosmetics


MARK how this polish'd Eastern sheet
Doth with our Northern tincture meet,
For though the paper seem to sink,
Yet it receives and bears the ink;
And on her smooth soft brow these spots
Seem rather ornaments than blots;
Like those you ladies use to place
Mysteriously about your face,
Not only to set off and break
Shadows and eye-beams, but to speak
To the skill'd lover, and relate
Unheard his sad or happy fate.
Nor do their characters delight
As careless works of black and white;
But 'cause you underneath may find
A sense that can inform the mind,
Divine or moral rules impart,
Or raptures of poetic art:
So what at first was only fit
To fold up silks may wrap up wit.





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