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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ASTROPHIL TO HIS SON, AGED SEVEN MONTHS by THOMAS WARTON THE ELDER

First Line: O THOU! WITH WHOM I FONDLY SHARE
Last Line: AS IDLE—BUT LESS INNOCENT.
Subject(s): BABIES; CHILDREN; INNOCENCE; PLEASURE; INFANTS; CHILDHOOD;
O THOU! with whom I fondly share
My faithful @3Stella@1's Love, and Care,
To thee 'tis giv'n to tumble o'er
Thy absent Sire's poëtic Store,
(With eager Hands these Lines to seize
And tear, or lose 'em, as you please,)
Thou too from Pedantry art free,
And I can safely sing to thee.

What tho' thy Age no Skill can boast,
In one small Round of Follies lost;
Yet ev'n thy Toys, and Tears, and Strife,
Act all the World in little Life.
Alike Man aims at all he can,
And Imitation teaches Man:
—But then has Man his Play-things too?—
—Yes sure.—Amusements all allow,
And are more serious Fools—than thou.
We differ, only in th'Intent
As idle—but less innocent.



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