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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE UNEQUAL FETTERS by ANNE FINCH

First Line: COULD WE STOP THE TIME THAT'S FLYING
Last Line: AT THE FULL LENGTH OF THEIR CHAIN.
Subject(s): LOVE; MARRIAGE; TIME; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

Could we stop the time that's flying
Or recall it when 'tis past
Put far off the day of Dying
Or make Youth for ever last
To Love would then be worth our cost.

But since we must loose those Graces
Which at first your hearts have won
And you seek for in new Faces
When our Spring of Life is done
It would but urge our ruin on

Free as Nature's first intention
Was to make us, I'll be found
Nor by subtle Man's invention
Yield to be in Fetters bound
By one that walks a freer round.

Marriage does bit slightly tie Men
Whil'st close Prisoners we remain
They the larger Slaves of Hymen
Still are begging Love again
At the full length of their chain.



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