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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE FAIR THIEF, by CHARLES WYNDHAM Poet's Biography First Line: Before the urchin well could go Last Line: And let her prison be my arms. Alternate Author Name(s): Egremont, Earl Of Subject(s): Love | |||
BEFORE the urchin well could go, She stole the whiteness of the snow; And more, that whiteness to adorn, She stole the blushes of the morn; Stole all the sweetness ether sheds On primrose buds or violet beds. Still to reveal her artful wiles She stole the Graces' silken smiles: She stole Aurora's balmy breath; And pilfered orient pearl for teeth: The cherry, dipped in morning dew, Gave moisture to her lips, and hue. These were her infant spoils, a store; And she in time still pilfered more! At twelve, she stole from Cyprus' queen Her air and love-commanding mien; Stole Juno's dignity; and stole From Pallas sense to charm the soul. Apollo's wit was next her prey: Her next the beam that lights the day; She sang amazed the Sirens heard; And to assert their voice appeared: She played; the Muses from the hill Wodered who thus had stole their skill. Great Jove approved her crimes and art; And, t'other day, she stole my heart! If lovers, Cupid, are thy care, Exert thy vengeance on this Fair; To trial bring her stolen charms, And let her prison be my arms. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE INVENTION OF LOVE by MATTHEA HARVEY TWO VIEWS OF BUSON by ROBERT HASS A LOVE FOR FOUR VOICES: HOMAGE TO FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN by ANTHONY HECHT AN OFFERING FOR PATRICIA by ANTHONY HECHT LATE AFTERNOON: THE ONSLAUGHT OF LOVE by ANTHONY HECHT A SWEETENING ALL AROUND ME AS IT FALLS by JANE HIRSHFIELD |
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