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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 12. A RENUNCIATION by THOMAS CAMPION

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOU ART NOT FAIR, FOR ALL THY RED AND WHITE
Last Line: EMBRACE, AND KISS, AND LOVE ME, IN DESPITE.
Subject(s): FLATTERY; LOVE; PRAISE;
Thou art not fair for all thy red and white,
For all those rosy ornaments in thee;
Thou art not sweet, though made of mere delight,
Nor fair nor sweet, unless thou pity me.
I will not soothe thy fancies: thou shalt prove
That beauty is no beauty without love.

Yet love not me, nor seek thou to allure
My thoughts with beauty; were it more divine,
Thy smiles and kisses I cannot endure,
I'll not be wrapt up in those arms of thine,
Now shew it if thou be a woman right, --
Embrace, and kiss, and love me, in despite.



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