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The poems of William Habington

Edited with introduction and commentary by Kenneth Allott

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The Song in the fourth Act.
  
  
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152

The Song in the fourth Act.

Fine young folly, though you were
That faire beauty I did sweare,
Yet you neere could reach my heart.
For we Courtiers learne at Schoole,
Onely with your sex to foole,
Y'are not worth the serious part.
When I sigh and kisse your hand,
Crosse my Armes and wondring stand:
Holding parley with your eye,
Then dilate on my desires,
Sweare the sunne nere shot such fires,
All is but a handsome lye.
When I eye your curle or Lace,
Gentle soule you thinke your face
Streight some murder doth commit,
And your virtue doth begin
To grow scrupulous of my sinne,
When I talke to shew my wit.
Therefore Madam weare no cloud
Nor to checke my love grow proud,
For in sooth I much doe doubt
'Tis the powder in your haire,
Not your breath perfumes the ayre,
And your Cloathes that set you out.
Yet though truth has this confest,
And I vow I love in Iest:
When I next begin to Court
And protest an amorous flame,
You will sweare I in earnest am:
Bedlam! this is pretty sport.