Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CHRISTMAS HIS MASQUE, SELECTION, by BEN JONSON


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CHRISTMAS HIS MASQUE, SELECTION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Nor do you think that their legs is all
Last Line: And his couple of daughters dear.


Nor do you think that their legs is all
The commendation of my sons,
For at the Artillery Garden they shall
As well forsooth use their guns.

And march as fine as the muses nine,
Along the streets of London:
And in their brave tires, to give their false fires,
Especially Tom my son.

Now if the lanes and the alleys afford
Such an ac-ativity as this;
At Christmas next, if they keep their word,
Can the children of Cheapside miss?

Though put the case, when they come in place,
They should not dance, but hop;
Their very gold lace with their silk would'em grace,
Having so many knights of the shop.

But were I so wise I might seem to advise
So great a potentate as yourself,
They should, sir, I tell ye, spare it out of their belly,
And this way spend some of their pelf.

Aye, and come to the court for to make you some sport,
At the least once every year:
As Christmas hath done, with his seventh or eighth son,
And his couple of daughters dear.





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