Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


OF A CHILD THAT HAD FEVER by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: I BID YOU, MOCK NOT EROS
Last Line: THE BURNT CHILD CRAVES THE FLAME.
Subject(s): CUPID; EROS;

I bid you, mock not Eros
Lest Eros mock with you.
His is a hot distemper
That hath no feverfew.

Love, like a child in sickness,
Brilliant, languid, still,
In fiery weakness lying,
Accepts, and hath no will.

See, in that warm dispassion
Less grievance than surprise,
And pitiable brightness
In his poor wondering eyes.

Oh, delicate heat and madness,
Oh, lust unnerved and faint;
Sparkling in veins and fibers,
Division and attaint!

I bid you, mock not Eros;
He knows not doubt or shame,
And, unaware of proverbs,
The burnt child craves the flame.



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