Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, COUNSEL, by THOMAS STANLEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

COUNSEL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When deceitful lovers lay
Last Line: With her own must never part.
Subject(s): Love


WHEN deceitful lovers lay
At thy feet their suppliant hearts,
And their snares spread to betray
Thy best treasure with their arts,
Credit not their flatt'ring vows:
Love such perjury allows.

When they with the choicest wealth
Nature boasts of, have possess'd thee;
When with flowers (their verses' stealth),
Stars, or jewels they invest thee,
Trust not to their borrow'd store:
'Tis but lent to make thee poor.

When with poems they invade thee,
Sing thy praises or disdain;
When they weep, and would persuade thee
That their flames beget that rain;
Let thy breast no baits let in:
Mercy's only here a sin!

Let no tears or offerings move thee,
All those cunning charms avoid;
For that wealth for which they love thee,
They would slight if once enjoy'd.
Who would keep another's heart
With her own must never part.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net