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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A LOVE-SONG by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN FIRST IN CELIA'S EAR I POURED
Last Line: TWILL LAST THEN -- FOR A DAY.
Subject(s): LOVE;

(XVIII. CENT.)

WHEN first in CELIA'S ear I poured
A yet unpractised pray'r,
My trembling tongue sincere ignored
The aids of 'sweet' and 'fair.'
I only said, as in me lay,
I'd strive her 'worth' to reach;
She frowned, and turned her eyes away, --
So much for truth in speech.

Then DELIA came. I changed my plan;
I praised her to her face;
I praised her features, -- praised her fan,
Her lap-dog and her lace;
I swore that not till Time were dead
My passion should decay;
She, smiling, gave her hand, and said
'Twill last then -- for a DAY.



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