Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ANSWER TO A PAPER OF VERSES SENT HIM BY LADY BETTY FELTON, by JOHN WILMOT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ANSWER TO A PAPER OF VERSES SENT HIM BY LADY BETTY FELTON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What strange surprise to meet such words as these
Last Line: Pleased in my arms to find herself alive.
Alternate Author Name(s): Rochester, 2d Earl Of


AND TAKEN OUT OF THE TRANSLATION OF OVID'S "EPISTLES

What strange surprise to meet such words as these
(Such terms of horror were ne'er chose to please) --
To meet, midst pleasures of a jovial night,
Words that can only give amaze and fright:
No gentle thought that does to love invite!
Were it not better for your arms t' employ
Grasping a lover in pursuit of joy,
Than handling sword and pen, weapons unfit?
Your sex gains conquest by their charms and wit.
Of writers slain I could with pleasure hear,
Approve of fights, o'erjoyed to cause a tear --
So slain, I mean, that she should soon revive,
Pleased in my arms to find herself alive.





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