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The Scrutiny

From Wikisource
The Scrutiny
by Richard Lovelace
4764The ScrutinyRichard Lovelace

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse

Why should you swear I am forsworn,

Since thine I vowed to be?

Lady it is already morn,

And 'twas last night I swore to thee

That fond impossibility.


Have I not loved thee much and long,

A tedious twelve hours' space?

I must all other Beauties wrong,

And rob thee of a new embrace;

Could I still dote upon thy face.


Not, but all joy in thy brown hair,

By others may be found;

But I must search the black and fair

Like skilful mineralists that sound

For treasure in un-plowed-up ground.


Then, if when I have loved my round,

Thou provest the pleasant she;

With spoils of meaner Beauties crowned,

I laden will return to thee,

Ev'n sated with variety.