Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SOPHISTICATES, by ANNA MAY DUDLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SOPHISTICATES, by                    
First Line: Oh, think not I shall always be as now
Last Line: But winter brings you home again to me!
Subject(s): Love


Oh, think not I shall always be as now;
Not constant, as you would that I should be.
Were you as fair as Helen, yet I would not vow
My heart's allegiance wholly unto thee!
That you are fair -- yes, lovelier, if it please
Your pride to have it so -- than many are,
Yet am I man, as changeful, prone as these
To follow lesser, lighter loves afar.

That you should be deceived, I do not choose,
For loving you, I am in duty bound
To undeceive you now! But, oh, I would not lose
By one hair's breadth, or one day's round
Your undivided love, my dear -- my dear --
Nor feel you less, for that you are less near!

I do not choose to hold you, no not I,
For love is such a tender, willful thing
It may take flight while still with words I try
The strict subservience of its eager wing;
And yet I know inconstancy will prove
Most constant too, for that it is but slight --
As wayward, light, as any breeze whereof
The flower is made aware of love's delight.

I am not fearful, for I know you are
When seeming most unkind, as kindly too;
And your return is fixed as any star
When autumn early calls it from the blue.
Oh, that you have been wayward, I agree
But winter brings you home again to me!





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