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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET (5) by CHARLES COTTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW SHOULD'ST THOU LOVE, AND NOT OFFEND?
Last Line: AND, CHLORIS, I AM STILL THE SAME.
Subject(s): LOVE;

How should'st thou love, and not offend?
Why, Chloris, I will tell thee how,
As thou did'st once, so love me now,
And lie with me, and there's an end.

Thou only art enjoin'd (my Sweet)
To keep thy reputation high,
And that indeed is secrecy,
Since all do err, though all not see 't.

Then Fairest, fearless of all blame,
That sacred treasure of thy name
Into my faithful arms commit;

Thou once did'st trust me with thy fame,
I then was just and true to it,
And, Chloris, I am still the same.



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