Song: I prithee spare me gentle boy

Suckling, Sir John (1609 - 1641)

Original Text

Sir John Suckling, Fragmenta Aurea (London: H. Moseley, 1646). Wing S6127. B-11 2046 Fisher Rare Book Library

1I prithee spare me gentle boy,

2Press me no more for that slight toy,

3That foolish trifle of an heart;

4I swear it will not do its part,

5Though thou dost thine, employ'st thy pow'r and art.

6For through long custom it has known

7The little secrets, and is grown

8Sullen and wise, will have its will,

9And like old hawks pursues that still

10That makes least sport, flies only where't can kill.

11Some youth that has not made his story,

12Will think perchance the pain's the glory,

13And mannerly sit out love's feast;

14I shall be carving of the best,

15Rudely call for the last course 'fore the rest.

16And oh when once that course is past,

17How short a time the feast doth last;

18Men rise away and scarce say grace,

19Or civilly once thank the face

20That did invite, but seek another place.

Publication Start Year

1646

RPO poem Editors

N. J. Endicott

RPO Edition

3RP.1.331; RPO 1994-2000.

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