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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FOURTH BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 7. CHERRY RIPE by THOMAS CAMPION

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THERE IS A GARDEN IN HER FACE
Last Line: TILL CHERRY-RIPE THEMSELVES DO CRY!
Subject(s): BEAUTY; CONCEIT; FACES; LOVE; YOUTH;

THERE is a garden in her face,
Where roses and white lilies grow;
A heavenly paradise is that place,
Wherein all pleasant fruits do flow;
There cherries grow, which none may buy,
Till cherry-ripe themselves do cry.

Those cherries fairly do enclose
Of orient pearl a double row;
Which when her lovely laughter shows,
They look like rose-buds filled with snow.
Yet them nor peer nor prince can buy,
Till cherry-ripe themselves do cry.

Her eyes like angels watch them still;
Her brows like bended bows do stand,
Threatening with piercing frowns to kill
All that attempt with eye or hand
These sacred cherries to come nigh--
Till cherry-ripe themselves do cry!



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