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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DISDAIN RETURNED by THOMAS CAREW

Poet Analysis

First Line: HE THAT LOVES A ROSY CHEEK
Last Line: THAT LOVE TO HER I CAST AWAY.
Subject(s): ADMIRATION; LOVE;

HE that loves a rosy cheek,
Or a coral lip admires,
Or from starlike eyes doth seek
Fuel to maintain his fires;
As old Time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.

But a smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts, and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires: --
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.

No tears, Celia, now shall win
My resolv'd heart to return;
I have search'd thy soul within,
And find naught but pride and scorn:
I have learn'd thy arts, and now
Can disdain as much as thou.
Some power, in my revenge, convey
That love to her I cast away.



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