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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ROCHESTER'S CONFERENCE WITH A POST BOY by JOHN WILMOT

Poet Analysis

First Line: SON OF A WHORE, GOD DAMN YOU! CAN YOU TELL
Last Line: THE READIEST WAY, MY LORD'S BY ROCHESTER.
Subject(s): ACCIDENTS; VILLAINS IN LITERATURE;

Rochester. Son of a whore, God damn you! can you tell
A peerless peer the readiest way to Hell?
I've outswilled Bacchus, sworn of my own make
Oaths would fright Furies, and make Pluto quake;
I've swived more whores more ways than Sodom's walls
E'er knew, or the College of Rome's Cardinals.
Witness heroic scars -- Look here, ne'er go! --
Cerecloths and ulcers from the top to toe!
Frighted at my own mischiefs, I have fled
And bravely left my life's defender dead;
Broke houses to break chastity, and dyed
That floor with murder which my lust denied.
Pox on 't, why do I speak of these poor things?
I have blasphemed my God, and libeled Kings!
The readiest way to Hell -- Come, quick!
Boy. Ne'er stir:
The readiest way, my Lord's by Rochester.



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