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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MY COUSIN CAREW RALEGH MARRYING MY LADY ALTHAM by THOMAS CAREW

Poet Analysis

First Line: HAPPY YOUTH! THAT SHALT POSSESS
Last Line: OFT DESTROY BOTH SMELL AND SIGHT.
Subject(s): MARRIAGE; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

HAPPY youth! that shalt possess
Such a spring-tide of delight,
As the sated appetite
Shall, enjoying such excess,
Wish the flood of pleasure less;
When the hymeneal rite
Is perform'd, invoke the night,
That it may in shadows dress
Thy too real happiness:
Else (as Semele) the bright
Deity, in her full might,
May thy feeble soul oppress.
Strong perfumes and glaring light
Oft destroy both smell and sight.



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