Matthew Prior. Dialogues of the Dead and Other Works in Prose and Verse. The Text Edited by A. R. Waller |
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THE
NEW-YEAR'S GIFT
TO
PHYLLIS. |
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 | Matthew Prior. Dialogues of the Dead and Other Works |  |
THE NEW-YEAR'S GIFT TO PHYLLIS.
I
The circling months begin this day,To run their yearly ring,
And long-breath'd time which ne'er will stay,
Refits his wings, and shoots away,
It round again to bring.
II
Who feels the force of female eyes,And thinks some Nymph divine,
Now brings his annual sacrifice,
Some pretty boy, or neat device,
To offer at Her shrine.
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III
But I can pay no offering,To show how I adore,
Since I had but a heart to bring
A downright foolish, faithful thing,
And that you had before.
IV
Yet we may give, for custom sake,What will to both be New,
My Constancy a Gift I'll make,
And in return of it will take
Some Levity from You.
| Matthew Prior. Dialogues of the Dead and Other Works | |