Thomas Carew (1595?-by 1640)
Disdain Returned
1He that loves a rosy cheek,
2 Or a coral lip admires,
3Or from star-like eyes doth seek
4 Fuel to maintain his fires;
5As old Time makes these decay,
6So his flames must waste away.
7But a smooth and steadfast mind,
8 Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
9Hearts with equal love combin'd,
10 Kindle never-dying fires.
11Where these are not, I despise
12Lovely cheeks, or lips, or eyes.
13No tears, Celia, now shall win
14 My resolv'd heart to return;
15I have search'd thy soul within,
16 And find nought, but pride, and scorn;
17I have learn'd thy arts, and now
18Can disdain as much as thou.
19Some power, in my revenge, convey
20That love to her I cast away.
Notes
1] The first two stanzas were first published in W. Porter's Madrigals and Airs, 632.
Online text copyright © 2009, Ian Lancashire (the Department of English) and the University of Toronto.
Published by the Web Development Group, Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Libraries.
Original text: Thomas Carew, Poems (J. D. for T. Walkley, 1640). STC 4620.
First publication date:
1640
RPO poem editor: N. J. Endicott
RP edition: 3RP 1.218-19.
Recent editing: 4:2002/2/6
Rhyme: ababcc
Other poems by Thomas Carew
