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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CAUTION by CATHERINE TROTTER COCKBURN

First Line: SOFT KISSES MAY BE INNOCENT
Last Line: WHO FOR SMALL FAVOURS SIGHS IN VAIN.

Soft kisses may be innocent,
But ah! too easy maid, beware;
Though that is all thy kindness meant,
'Tis love's delusive fatal snare.

No virgin e'er at first design'd
Through all the maze of love to stray;
But each new path allures her mind,
Till, wandering on, she lose her way.

'Tis easy ere set out to stay;
But who the useful art can teach,
When sliding down a steepy way,
To stop, before the end we reach?

Keep ever something in thy power
Beyond what would thy honour stain;
He will not dare to aim at more,
Who for small favours sighs in vain.



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