Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CAVALIER HUSBAND, by                    
First Line: "tush! Let them keep him, if they can"
Last Line: And 'twill dissolve the parliament
Subject(s): Marriage; Weddings;husbands;wives


TUSH! let them keep him, if they can;
He's not in hold, while you are free!
Come, weep no more! but pledge the man;
Who, though in fetters, yet can be
A prisoner unto none but thee!
Then, dry your tears! for every tear
Makes them, like drowned worlds to appear.

Post through the air my fancy went;
And there stood by,
When he was brought to th' Parliament;
And straight, "To the bar! To the bar!" they cry.
The smiling Captain asked, "Why?"
With that, they soon drew up his Charge.
Lady, you shall hear't at large!

Imprimis. He is married late,
With a ring too! unto a Saint
Would make the best of us amate!
Witty, pretty, young, and quaint;
And fairer than our wives can paint!
Her lips doth set men's lips on edge;
Sure, that's a breach of Privilege!

Item. This fair Delinquent hath
A pair of Organs in her throat
Which, when she doth inspire with breath,
She can command in every note.
Her very hair, put in array,
Will fetter the Militia!

Her cheeks still Nature's pattern have;
Not yet called in!
But in them engrossed all that is brave:
And other Ladies hucksters be;
Her beauty, the monopoly!
When their's gone, to her they come;
And chaffer in her face for some.

She hath an altar on her brow;
Her eyes are two fires on each side,
Where superstitious lovers bow!
Her name is MARY too, beside!
"Let's clap him up, till further leisure;
And send for her to wait our pleasure!"

Then go, fair Lady! follow him!
Fear no trumpet! fear no drum!
Fair women may prevail with Pym;
And one sweet smile, when there you come,
Will quickly speak the Speaker dumb!
If not, then let one tear be spent;
And 'twill dissolve the Parliament!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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