Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CONTEST, by CHARLES COTTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CONTEST, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come, my corinna, let us try
Last Line: So you have yours, and I my ends.
Subject(s): Love


COME, my Corinna, let us try,
Which loves you best, of You, and I,
I know you oft have in your glass
Seen the faint shadow of your face;
And, consequently, then became
A wond'ring Lover, as I am;
Though not so great a one, for what
You saw was but a glimpse of that,
So sweet, so charming majesty,
Which I in its full lustre see.
But if you then had gaz'd upon
Yourself, as your reflection,
And seen those eyes for which I die,
Perhaps you'd been as sick as I.

Thus, Sweetest, then it is confest,
That of us Lovers, I love best;
You'll say 'tis reason, that my share
Be great as my affections are,
When you insensibly are grown
More mine, by conquest, than your own.
But, if this argument I name
Seem light to such a glorious claim;
Yet, since you love yourself, this do,
Love me, at least, for loving you;
So my despair you may destroy,
And you your loved self enjoy;
Acting those things, can ne'er be done,
Whilst you remain your self alone:
So for my sighs you make amends,
So you have yours, and I my ends.





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