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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CARL AND I by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: HE CALLS ME BEAUTIFUL, AND I
Last Line: WHEN SUCH AS HE CAN LOVE ME SO!
Subject(s): LOVE;

HE calls me beautiful; and I
Ask of my glass the reason why; Alack for me!
And yet though little there I see,
I must be beautiful, I trow,
When such as he can deem me so.

He calls me brilliant; all in vain
I strive the wonder to explain; Alack for me!
And yet, whate'er my fancy be,
Some spark of wit therein must glow
When such as he can think it so.

He calls me noble; and I turn
My soul within my soul to learn; Alack for me!
I am not proud of what I see;
And yet some goodness there must grow,
When such as he can find it so.

He calls me lovely; and I try
To seek the specious reason why; Alack for me!
And yet though vain my question be,
I must be lovely -- well I know --
When such as he can love me so!



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