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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN IMITATION OF HORACE by APHRA BEHN

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT MEANS THOSE AMOROUS CURLS OF JET?
Last Line: TO TASTE THESE SWEETS, ALAS! IS CERTAIN DEATH.
Subject(s): BEAUTY;

What mean those amorous curls of jet?
For what heart-ravish'd maid
Dost thou thy hair in order set,
Thy wanton tresses braid?
And thy vast stores of beauties open lay,
That the deluded fancy leads astray?

For pity hide thy starry eyes,
Whose languishments destroy;
And look not on the slave that dies
With an excess of joy.
Defend thy coral lips, thy amber breath;
To taste these sweets, alas! is certain death.



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