Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A RECEIPT TO CURE THE VAPOURS by MARY WORTLEY MONTAGU

First Line: WHY WILL DELIA THUS RETIRE / AND IDLY LANGUISH LIFE AWAY?
Last Line: I BELIEVE THE DOSE WILL DO.
Subject(s): SICKNESS; ILLNESS;

Why will Delia thus retire,
And languish life away?
Why the sighing crows admire,
'Tis too soon for hartshorn tea.

All these dismal looks and fretting
Cannot Damon's life restore;
Long ago the worms have eat him,
You can never see him more.

Once again consult your toilet,
In the glass your face review;
So much weeping sure will spoil it,
And no springs your charms renew.

I, like you, was born a woman,
Well I know what vapours mean!
The disease, alas! is common,
Single we have all the spleen.

All the morals that they teach us
Never cur'd our sorrows yet:
Choose among the pretty fellows
One of humour, youth, and wit.

Prithee hear him ev'ry morning,
At the least an hour or two;
Once again at night returning,
I believe the dose will do.




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