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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG, FR. A MAD WORLD, MY MASTERS by THOMAS MIDDLETON

First Line: O FOR A BOWL OF FAT CANARY
Last Line: JOVE WOULD COME DOWN TO SURFEIT HERE.

O for a bowl of fat canary,
Rich Aristippus, sparkling sherry!
Some nectar else from Juno's dairy;
O these draughts would make us merry!

O for a wench! I deal in faces,
And in other daintier things;
Tickled am I with her embraces;
Fine dancing in such fairy rings!

O for a plump, fat leg of mutton,
Veal, lamb, capon, pig, and coney!
None is happy but a glutton,
None an ass, but who wants money.

Wines indeed, and girls are good;
But brave victuals feast the blood;
For wenches, wine and lusty cheer,
Jove would come down to surfeit here.



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