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Home  »  Poetica Erotica  »  The Subtile and Coy Girl

T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.

The Subtile and Coy Girl

Anonymous
 
(From Westminster Drolleries, 1671–2)

WHY should my Celia now be coy,
  In denying to yield me those Graces
Which we did formerly both enjoy
  In our amorous mutual embraces?
She’ll not give me a reason,        5
    But shows me a frown
  That’s enough to destroy a poor Lover.
Ah Celia, I once did think thee mine own,
  But now I my folly discover.
 
Is it because I have been so kind        10
  At all times to feed thy desire
In Presents and Treats, thou hast changed thy mind,
  And left me like Dun in the Mire?
Or else is’t because thou dost
    Think my Estate        15
  Is too mean to uphold thee in Brav’ry?
Know Celia, ’tis not so much out of date,
  To force me endure so much slav’ry.
 
Or is’t because thou wilt follow the mode,
  Since most are addicted to changing,        20
Thou’dst only get thee a name abroad,
  I being more famous for ranging.
Nay Celia, more this truth thou would find,
  I therefore advise thee be wary,
When ever thou get’st thee a Mate to thy mind,        25
  He’ll play thee the same vagary.