Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PHYLLIS AND CORYDON by ARTHUR W. COTTON

First Line: PHYLLIS TOOK A RED ROSE FROM THE TANGLES OF HER HAID
Last Line: WELL, WHICH DO YOU SUPPOSE?
Subject(s): FLIRTATION;

PHYLLIS took a red rose from the tangles of her hair
(Time, the Golden Age; the place, Arcadia, anywhere).

Phyllis laughed, the saucy jade, "Sir Shepherd, wilt have this
Or" (Bashful god of skipping lambs and oaten reeds!) "a kiss?"

Bethink thee, gentle Corydon! A rose lasts all night long,
A kiss but slips from off your lips like a robin's evening-song.

A kiss that goes where no one knows!
A rose, a crimson rose!

Corydon made his choice and took --
Well, which do you suppose?



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