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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A CASE STATED by MATTHEW PRIOR

First Line: NOW HOW SHALL I DO WITH MY LOVE AND MY PRIDE
Last Line: HER SPARK SAYING NOTHING TALKS BETTER THAN I.
Subject(s): BLOOD; LOVE; PRIDE; SELF-ESTEEM; SELF-RESPECT;

Now how shall I do with my love and my pride;
Dear Dick, give me counsel, if friendship has any;
Pr'ythee purge, or let blood, surly Richard replied,
And forget the coquette in the arms of your Nanny.

While I pleaded with passion how much I deserved,
For the pains and the torments of more than a year;
She looked in an almanack, whence she observed,
That it wanted a fortnight to Barthol'mew-fair.

My Cowley and Waller how vainly I quote,
While my negligent judge only hears with her eye!
In a long flaxen wig, and embroidered new coat,
Her spark saying nothing talks better than I.



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