WHEN deceitful lovers lay At thy feet their suppliant hearts, And their snares spread to betray Thy best treasure with their arts, Credit not their flatt'ring vows: Love such perjury allows. When they with the choicest wealth Nature boasts of, have possess'd thee; When with flowers (their verses' stealth), Stars, or jewels they invest thee, Trust not to their borrow'd store: 'Tis but lent to make thee poor. When with poems they invade thee, Sing thy praises or disdain; When they weep, and would persuade thee That their flames beget that rain; Let thy breast no baits let in: Mercy's only here a sin! Let no tears or offerings move thee, All those cunning charms avoid; For that wealth for which they love thee, They would slight if once enjoy'd. Who would keep another's heart With her own must never part. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE COUNTRY CLERGYMAN'S TRIP TO CAMBRIDGE; ELECTION BALLAD by THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY THE WITCH IN THE GLASS by SARAH MORGAN BRYAN PIATT THE OLD HOUSE by LAURENCE BINYON SORDELLO: BOOK 6 by ROBERT BROWNING THE DEATH AND DYING WORDS OF POOR MAILIE by ROBERT BURNS |