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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CAELICA: 25 by FULKE GREVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: CUPID, MY PRETTY BOY, LEAVE OFF THY CRYING
Last Line: AND SHE SHALL PLAY THE CHILD WITH LOVE OR SORROW.

Cupid, my pretty boy, leave off thy crying,
Thou shalt have bells or apples; be not peevish;
Kiss me sweet lad; beshrew her for denying;
Such rude denials do make children thievish.

Did reason say that boys must be restrained?
What was it, tell; hath cruel honor chidden?
Or would they have thee from sweet Myra weaned?
Are her fair breasts made dainty to be hidden?

Tell me, sweet boy, doth Myra's beauty threaten?
Must you say grace when you would be a-playing?
Doth she cause thee make faults, to make thee beaten?
Is beauty's pride in innocents betraying?
Give me a bow, let me thy quiver borrow,
And she shall play the child with love or sorrow.



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