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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONGS, SET TO MUSIC BY THE MOST EMINENT MASTERS: 20 by MATTHEW PRIOR

First Line: PHILLIS, GIVE THIS HUMOUR OVER
Last Line: LIVE IN FAR MORE PERFECT JOY.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; FAITH; HAPPINESS; PRIDE; WOMEN; YOUTH; BELIEF; CREED; JOY; DELIGHT; SELF-ESTEEM; SELF-RESPECT;

PHILLIS, give this humour over,
We too long have time abused;
I shall turn an arrant rover,
If the favour's still refused.

Faith! 'tis nonsense out of measure,
Without ending thus to see
Women forced to taste a pleasure
Which they love as well as we.

Let not pride and folly share you,
We were made but to enjoy;
Ne'er will age or censure spare you,
E'er the more for being coy.

Never fancy time's before you,
Youth, believe me, will away;
Then, alas! who will adore you,
Or to wrinkles tribute pay!

All the swains on you attending
Show how much your charms deserve;
But, miser like, for fear of spending,
You amidst your plenty starve.

While a thousand freer lasses,
Who their youth and charms employ;
Though your beauty theirs surpasses,
Live in far more perfect joy.



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