Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A LADY TO A YOUNG COURTIER, by HENRY HUGHES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A LADY TO A YOUNG COURTIER, by                    
First Line: Love thee! Good sooth, not I
Last Line: Who can deny such blades a bit!
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens


LOVE thee! good sooth, not I!
I've somewhat else to do;
Alas, you must go learn to talk,
Before you learn to woo.
Nay, fie! stand off, go to!

Because you're in the fashion,
And newly come to court;
D'ye think your clothes are orators
T'invite us to the sport?
Ha, ha! Who will not jeer thee for't.

Ne'er look so sweetly, youth,
Nor fiddle with your band;
We know, you trim your borrowed curls
To show your pretty hand.
But 'tis too young for to command.

Go, practise how to jeer;
And think each word a jest;
That's the court wit. Alas, you're out,
To think when finely drest,
You please me, or the ladies, best.

Mark how Sir Whackam fools;
Aye marry, there's a wit!
Who cares not what he says or swears;
So ladies laugh at it;
Who can deny such blades a bit!





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