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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


APPLICATION by MATTHEW PRIOR

First Line: O DEAREST DAUGHTER, OF TWO DEAREST FRIENDS
Last Line: AND BADE ME IMITATE THE TURTLE'S FLAME.'
Subject(s): DAUGHTERS; FATE; LOVE; DESTINY;

O DEAREST daughter, of two dearest friends,
To thee my muse this little tale commends.
Loving and loved, regard thy future mate,
Long love his person, though deplore his fate;
Seem young when old in thy dear husband's arms,
For constant virtue has immortal charms.
And, when I lie low sepulchred in earth,
And the glad year returns thy day of birth,
Vouchsafe to say, 'Ere I could write or spell,
The bard, who from my cradle wished me well,
Told me I should the prating sparrow blame,
And bade me imitate the turtle's flame.'



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