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...A CHRISTMAS FOLKSONG by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR IN THE MILE END ROAD by AMY LEVY NEW YORK AT NIGHT by AMY LOWELL DAY AND NIGHT SONGS by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 6. SPRING by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM THE COWARD by LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA SELF-COMMUNING by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: A NIGHT-SCENE by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |