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1806–1867

SONNET.

Nathaniel Parker Willis

Exquisite Laura! with thy pouting lip, And the arch smile that makes me constant so — Tempting me still like a dull bee to sip The flower I should have left so long ago —

Beautiful Laura! who art just so fair That I can think thee lovely when alone, And still art not so wonderfully rare That I could never find a prettier one —

Spirited Laura! laughing, weeping, crying In the same breath, and gravest with the gay — So wild, that Cupid ever shoots thee flying, And knows his archery is thrown away —

Inconstant as I am, I cannot yet Break thy sweet fetter, exquisite coquette!

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SONNET. · Nathaniel Parker Willis · Poetry Cove