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 Female PHAETON. |
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 | Matthew Prior. Dialogues of the Dead and Other Works |  |
33
The Female PHAETON.
I
Thus Kitty , Beautiful and Young,And wild as Colt untam'd;
Bespoke the Fair from whom she sprung,
With little Rage inflam'd.
II
Inflam'd with Rage at sad Restraint,Which wise Mamma ordain'd;
And sorely vex'd to play the Saint,
Whilst Wit and Beauty reign'd.
III
Shall I thumb Holy Books, confin'dWith Abigails forsaken?
Kitty's for other Things design'd,
Or I am much mistaken.
IV
Must Lady Jenny frisk about,And Visit with her Cozens?
At Balls must She make all the Rout,
And bring Home Hearts by Dozens?
V
What has she Better, pray, than I?What hidden Charms to boast,
That all Mankind for her should Die,
Whilst I am scarce a Toast?
VI
Dearest Mamma, for once let me,Unchain'd, my Fortune try;
I'll have my Earl, as well as She,
Or know the Reason why.
34
VII
I'll soon with Jenny's Pride quit score,Make all her Lovers fall;
They'll grieve I was not loos'd before,
She, I was loos'd at all.
VIII
Fondness prevail'd, Mamma gave way;Kitty at Heart's Desire,
Obtain'd the Chariot for a Day,
And set the World on Fire.
| Matthew Prior. Dialogues of the Dead and Other Works | |