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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FIDELITY, FR. PHILLIS by THOMAS LODGE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: LOVE GUARDS THE ROSES OF THY LIPS
Last Line: IN SPITE OF THEE, AND BY FIRM FAITH DESERVE HER.
Subject(s): FIDELITY; LOVE; FAITHFULNESS; CONSTANCY;

LOVE guards the roses of thy lips
And flies about them like a bee;
If I approach he forward skips,
And if I kiss he stingeth me.

Love in thine eyes doth build his bower,
And sleeps within their pretty shine;
And if I look the boy will lower,
And from their orbs shoot shafts divine.

Love works thy heart within his fire,
And in my tears doth firm the same;
And if I tempt it will retire,
And of my plaints doth make a game.

Love, let me cull her choicest flowers;
And pity me, and calm her eye;
Make soft her heart, dissolve her flowers
Then will I praise thy deity.

But if thou do not, Love, I'll truly serve her
In spite of thee, and by firm faith deserve her.



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