Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A BALLAD ON LADY ILCHESTER ASKING LORD ILCHESTER, HOW MANY KISSES..., by CHARLES HANBURY WILLIAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BALLAD ON LADY ILCHESTER ASKING LORD ILCHESTER, HOW MANY KISSES..., by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear betty! Come give me sweet kisses
Last Line: Will always with few be content!
Subject(s): Kisses


DEAR BETTY! come, give me sweet kisses!
For sweeter no Girl ever gave!
But why, in the midst of our blisses,
Do you ask me, How many I'd have?
I'm not to be stinted in pleasure,
Then, prithee, dear BETTY! be kind!
For as I love thee beyond measure,
To numbers I'll not be confined!

Count the bees that on Hybla are straying!
Count the flowers that enamel the fields!
Count the flocks that on Tempe are playing;
Or the grains that each Sicily yields!
Count how many stars are in heaven!
Go, reckon the sands on the shore!
And when so many kisses you've given,
I still shall be asking for more!

To a heart full of love, let me hold thee!
A heart that, dear BETTY! is thine!
In my arms I'll for ever enfold thee,
And curl round thy neck like a vine!
What joy can be greater than this is?
My life on thy lips shall be spent!
But those who can number their kisses,
Will always with few be content!





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