Mas vale tarde que nunca.
Oliver Goldsmith suits me just fine.
THE GIFT
TO IRIS, IN BOW STREET, CONVENT GARDEN
SAY, cruel IRIS, pretty rake,
Dear mercenary beauty,
What annual offering shall I make,
Expressive of my duty?
My heart, a victim to thine eyes, 5
Should I at once deliver,
Say, would the angry fair one prize
The gift, who slights the giver?
A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,
My rivals give_and let 'em; 10
If gems, or gold, impart a joy,
I'll give them_when I get 'em.
I'll give_but not the full-blown rose,
Or rose-bud more in fashion;
Such short-liv'd offerings but disclose 15
A transitory passion.
I'll give thee something yet unpaid,
Not less sincere, than civil:
I'll give thee_Ah! too charming maid,
I'll give thee_To the devil. 30
Oliver Goldsmith suits me just fine.
THE GIFT
TO IRIS, IN BOW STREET, CONVENT GARDEN
SAY, cruel IRIS, pretty rake,
Dear mercenary beauty,
What annual offering shall I make,
Expressive of my duty?
My heart, a victim to thine eyes, 5
Should I at once deliver,
Say, would the angry fair one prize
The gift, who slights the giver?
A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,
My rivals give_and let 'em; 10
If gems, or gold, impart a joy,
I'll give them_when I get 'em.
I'll give_but not the full-blown rose,
Or rose-bud more in fashion;
Such short-liv'd offerings but disclose 15
A transitory passion.
I'll give thee something yet unpaid,
Not less sincere, than civil:
I'll give thee_Ah! too charming maid,
I'll give thee_To the devil. 30