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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PAMPHILIA TO AMPHILANTHUS: SONNET 74. SONG by MARY SIDNEY WROTH

First Line: LOVE, A CHILD, IS EVER CRYING
Last Line: NOR SEEK HIM SO GIVEN TO FLYING.

Love, a child, is ever crying;
Please him, and he straight is flying;
Give him, he the more is craving,
Never satisfied with having.

His desires have no measure;
Endless folly is his treasure;
What he promiseth he breaketh,
Trust not one word that he speaketh.

He vows nothing but false matter;
And to cozen you will flatter;
Let him gain the hand, he'll leave you,
And still glory to deceive you.

He will triumph in your wailing;
And yet cause be of your failing:
These his virtues are, and slighter
Are his gifts, his favors lighter.

Fathers are as firm in staying,
Wolves no fiercer in their preying;
As a child, then, leave him crying,
Nor seek him so given to flying.



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