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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
RIDDLE, by NATHANIEL COTTON Poet's Biography
First Line: I am a small volume, and frequently bound
Last Line: Still vain is their boast if they flout me.
Subject(s): Cotton
First Line: I am a small volume, and frequently bound
Last Line: Still vain is their boast if they flout me.
Subject(s): Cotton
I AM a small volume, and frequently bound
In silk, satin, silver, or gold;
My worth and my praises the females resound,
By females my science is told.
My leaves are all scarlet, my letters are steel,
Each letter contains a great treasure;
To the poor they spell lodging, and fuel, and meal,
To the rich, entertainment and pleasure.
The sempstress explores me by day and by night,
Not a page but she turns o'er and o'er;
Though sometimes I injure the milliner's sight,
Still I add to her credit and store.
'Tis true I am seldom regarded by men,
Yet what would the males do without me?
Let them boast of their head, or boast of their pen,
Still vain is their boast if they flout me.
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Other Poems of Interest...
JONES'S PRIVATE ARGYMENT by SIDNEY LANIER
THE COTTON CLUB by CLARENCE MAJOR
THE COTTON BOLL by HENRY TIMROD
CANE: NOVEMBER COTTON FLOWER by JEAN TOOMER
COTTON MILL FUNERAL by STEWART ATKINS
A LANCASHIRE DOXOLOGY by DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK