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1823–1896

II.— THE FOREIGN LAND

Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore

A woman is a foreign land, Of which, though there he settle young, A man will ne'er quite understand The customs, politics, and tongue.

The foolish hie them post-haste through, See fashions odd, and prospects fair, Learn of the language,‘ How d'ye do,’ And go and brag they have been there.

The most for leave to trade apply, For once, at Empire's seat, her heart, Then get what knowledge ear and eye Glean chancewise in the life-long mart.

And certain others, few and fit, Attach them to the Court, and see The Country's best, its accent hit, And partly sound its polity.

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II.— THE FOREIGN LAND · Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore · Poetry Cove