Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LORD NEVIL'S ADVICE, by ADA CAMBRIDGE Poet's Biography First Line: Friend,' quoth lord nevil, 'thou art young' Last Line: "and count thyself a happy man." Alternate Author Name(s): Cross, George, Mrs. Subject(s): Advice; Conduct Of Life; Marriage | ||||||||
"FRIEND," quoth Lord Nevil, "thou art young To face the world, and thou art blind To subtle ways of womankind; The meshes thou wilt fall among. "Take an old married man's advice; Use the experience I have earned; Watch well where women are concerned, -- They're not all birds of paradise! "Be circumspect, or thou mayst fall; Abjure a blind faith -- nay, trust none -- Till thou hast chosen, proven one; Then trust her truly -- trust in all. "Keep a calm brain and quiet eye, And watch. The doll of powder and paint, The flirt, the artificial saint, The loud man-woman pass them by. "The innocent one, who craves thy cares To shield her from life's fret and fray; Lad, watch her -- maybe she'll betray Some doubtful knowledge, unawares. "The pensive one, who droops and sighs -- Wait till her dreaming comes to test; Be gentle, yet be wary, lest 'Tis but a graceful grey disguise. "The world-wise husband-hunter -- she Who knows no love but love of gold, And lands and titles -- empty, cold, -- Pity her, lad, and let her be. And the rich heiress -- let her pass. Belike she's stupid, drugged with wealth, And just enjoys her life and health As some fat cow in clover grass. "Or insolent with prosperity, Unsharpened, shallow, unrefined; -- And thou art poor, and thou wilt mind That proud blood cometh down to thee. "The gushing gossip -- she who rains Incessant chatter in thine ears; -- She may be worth thy keenest fears, She may be simply lacking brains, "And lacking grace and modesty. She will make mischief, at the best; She may be wily, like the rest; Keep thy tongue still when she is by. "They that would master thee, if they could, In brain and muscle -- flaring lights -- The clamorous for false woman's rights; -- Snub them, my friend -- it does them good -- "And do not think of them for wives. Fit mates for such seem somewhat rare; But when two odd ones make a pair, They spoil at least four precious lives. "But shouldst thou chance to meet a girl With brave, bright eyes, that front thee straight, A kindly tongue that does not prate, And quiet lips that cannot curl; "With fine sense, quick to understand, With dignity that is not cold, Sweet, sunny mirth that is not bold, A ready ear, a willing hand; "One skilled in household arts, and skilled In little courteous, graceful ways, That make no show and win no praise -- Wherewith discordant jars are stilled: "One who will never touch a sore; One who sheds sunshine round about, And draws life's hidden comfort out; One whom the boys and babes adore: "One with an intellect to reach The highest range that thou canst rise; Who will aye help thee, woman-wise, And yet not set herself to teach: "One of whom women love to speak, In honest kindness, and whose name Men let alone; whose chiefest fame Lies hidden where men may not seek; -- "Friend, woo her, as a good knight can, And win her. Lay thou at her feet Faith, love, and honour, true and sweet; And count thyself a happy man." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SHE WANTS THE RING LIKE by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA A BLESSING FOR A WEDDING by JANE HIRSHFIELD A SUITE FOR MARRIAGE by DAVID IGNATOW ADVICE TO HER SON ON MARRIAGE by MARY BARBER THE RABBI'S SON-IN-LAW by SABINE BARING-GOULD KISSING AGAIN by DORIANNE LAUX |
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