Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO HIS MISTRESS, by ABRAHAM COWLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HIS MISTRESS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tyrian dye why do you wear
Last Line: She's fair whose beauty only makes her gay.
Subject(s): Cosmetics


TYRIAN dye why do you wear,
You whose cheeks best scarlet are?
Why do you fondly pin
Pure linens o'er your skin,
Your skin that's whiter far?--
Casting a dusky cloud before a star.

Why bears your neck a golden chain?
Did Nature make your hair in vain,
Of gold most pure and fine?
With gems why do you shine?
They, neighbours to your eyes,
Show but like Phosphor when the sun doth rise.

I would have all my mistress' parts
Owe more to Nature than the arts;
I would not woo the dress,
Or one whose nights give less
Contentment than the day;
She's fair whose beauty only makes her gay.





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