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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MASQUE AT THE MARRIAGE OF THE LORD HAYES: SONG IN FORM OF A DIALOGUE by THOMAS CAMPION

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHO IS THE HAPPIER OF THE TWO
Last Line: CHO. SING IO, HYMEN! IO, IO, HYMEN!

Can. @3Who is the happier of the two,
A maid, or wife?@1
Ten. @3Which is more to be desired,
Peace or strife?@1
Can. @3What strife can be where two are one,
Or what delight to pine alone?@1
Bas. @3None such true friends, none so sweet life,
As that between the man and wife.@1
Ten. @3A maid is free, a wife is tied.@1
Can. @3No maid but fain would be a bride.@1
Ten. @3Why live so many single then?
'Tis not I hope for want of men.@1
Can. @3The bow and arrow both may fit,
And yet 'tis hard the mark to hit.@1
Bas. @3He levels fair that by his side
Lays at night his lovely Bride.@1
Cho. @3Sing Io, Hymen! Io, Io, Hymen!@1



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