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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CAVALIER HUSBAND by ANONYMOUS

First Line: "TUSH! LET THEM KEEP HIM, IF THEY CAN"
Last Line: AND 'TWILL DISSOLVE THE PARLIAMENT
Subject(s): MARRIAGE; WEDDINGS;HUSBANDS;WIVES;

TUSH! let them keep him, if they can;
He's not in hold, while you are free!
Come, weep no more! but pledge the man;
Who, though in fetters, yet can be
A prisoner unto none but thee!
Then, dry your tears! for every tear
Makes them, like drowned worlds to appear.

Post through the air my fancy went;
And there stood by,
When he was brought to th' Parliament;
And straight, "To the bar! To the bar!" they cry.
The smiling Captain asked, "Why?"
With that, they soon drew up his Charge.
Lady, you shall hear't at large!

Imprimis. @3He is married late,
With a ring too! unto a Saint
Would make the best of us amate!
Witty, pretty, young, and quaint;
And fairer than our wives can paint!
Her lips doth set men's lips on edge;
Sure, that's a breach of Privilege!@1

Item. @3This fair Delinquent hath
A pair of Organs in her throat
Which, when she doth inspire with breath,
She can command in every note.
Her very hair, put in array,
Will fetter the Militia!@1

@3Her cheeks still Nature's pattern have;
Not yet called in!
But in them engrossed all that is brave:
And other Ladies hucksters be;
Her beauty, the monopoly!
When their's gone, to her they come;
And chaffer in her face for some@1.

@3She hath an altar on her brow;
Her eyes are two fires on each side,
Where superstitious lovers bow!
Her name is MARY too, beside!@1
"Let's clap him up, till further leisure;
And send for her to wait our pleasure!"

Then go, fair Lady! follow him!
Fear no trumpet! fear no drum!
Fair women may prevail with Pym;
And one sweet smile, when there you come,
Will quickly speak the Speaker dumb!
If not, then let one tear be spent;
And 'twill dissolve the Parliament!



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