Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, GOOD COUNSEL TO A YOUNG MAID, by THOMAS CAREW


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GOOD COUNSEL TO A YOUNG MAID, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When you the sunburnt pilgrim see
Last Line: When no streams shall be left but in thine eye.
Subject(s): Advice; Love – Nature Of


WHEN you the sunburnt pilgrim see,
Fainting with thirst, haste to the springs,
Mark how at first with bended knee
He courts the crystal nymphs, and flings
His body to the earth, where he
Prostrate adores the flowing deity.

But when his sweaty face is drench'd
In her cool waves, when from her sweet
Bosom his burning thirst is quench'd,
Then mark how with disdainful feet
He kicks her banks, and from the place
That thus refresh'd him, moves with sullen pace.

So shalt thou be despis'd, fair maid,
When by the sated lover tasted;
What first he did with tears invade
Shall afterwards with scorn be wasted:
When all thy virgin-springs grow dry,
When no streams shall be left but in thine eye.





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