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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


REBUSE by NATHANIEL COTTON

First Line: TELL ME THE FAIR, IF SUCH A FAIR THERE BE
Last Line: WHOSE SWEETNESS SOFTENS MAJESTY AND WIT.
Subject(s): JAMES II, KING OF ENGLAND (1633-1701);

TELL me the fair, if such a fair there be,
Said Venus to her son, that rivals me.
Mark the tall tree, cried Cupid to the Dame,
That from its silver bark derives its name;
The studious insect, that with wondrous pow'rs
Extracts mysterious sweets from fragrant flow'rs;
Proclaim the nymph to whom all hearts submit,
Whose sweetness softens majesty and wit.



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