Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD: SONG by OLIVER GOLDSMITH

First Line: WHEN LOVELY WOMAN STOOPS TO FOLLY
Last Line: AND WRING HIS BOSOM IS -- TO DIE.
Subject(s): UNFAITHFULNESS; INFIDELITY; ADULTERY; INCONSTANCY;

WHEN lovely woman stoops to folly,
And finds too late that men betray,
What charm can soothe her melancholy?
What art can wash her tears away?

The only art her guilt to cover,
To hide her shame from ev'ry eye,
To give repentance to her lover,
And wring his bosom is -- to die.



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