Classic and Contemporary Poetry
STREPHON TO CELIA. A MODERN LOVE LETTER, by MARY LEAPOR Poet's Biography First Line: Madam, I hope you'll think it's true Last Line: Or else this very moment dies -- Subject(s): Love - Materialism | ||||||||
MADAM, I hope you'll think it's true I deeply am in love with you, When I assure you t' other day, As I was musing on my way, At thought of you I tumbled down Directly in a deadly swoon: And though 'tis true I'm something better, Yet I can hardly spell my letter: And as the latter you may view, I hope you'll think the former true. You need not wonder at my flame, For you are not a mortal dame: I saw you dropping from the skies; And let dull idiots swear your eyes With love their glowing breast inspire, I tell you they are flames of fire, That scorch my forehead to a cinder, And burn my very heart to tinder. Your breast so mighty cold, I trow, Is made of nothing else but snow: Your hands (no wonder they have charms) Are made of ivory like your arms. Your cheeks, that look as if they bled, Are nothing else but roses red. Your lips are coral very bright, Your teeth -- though numbers out of spite May say they're bones -- yet 'twill appear They're rows of pearl exceeding dear. Now, madam, as the chat goes round, I hear you have ten thousand pound: But that as I a trifle hold, Give me your person, dem your gold; Yet for your own sake 'tis secured, I hope -- your houses too insured; I'd have you take a special care, And of false mortgages beware; You've wealth enough 'tis true, but yet You want a friend to manage it. Now such a friend you soon might have, By fixing on your humble slave; Not that I mind a stately house, Or value money of a louse; But your five hundred pounds a year, I would secure it for my dear: Then smile upon your slave, that lies Half murdered by your radiant eyes; Or else this very moment dies -- | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LADY CLARA VERE DE VERE by ALFRED TENNYSON FOR LACK OF GOLD by ADAM AUSTIN EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 28. LOVE'S TRIUMPH OVER RICHES by PHILIP AYRES EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 40. LOVE BOUGHT AND SOLD by PHILIP AYRES THE BITER BIT by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN POVERTY PARTS GUDE COMPANIE by JOANNA BAILLIE BALLAD TO THE TUNE OF 'I'LL HAVE MY LOVE, OR I'LL HAVE ONE' by PATRICK CAREY |
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