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Home  »  The World’s Best Poetry  »  “Why so pale and wan?”

Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.

V. Cautions and Complaints

“Why so pale and wan?”

Sir John Suckling (1609–1642)

WHY so pale and wan, fond lover?

Pr’y thee, why so pale?

Will, when looking well can’t move her,

Looking ill prevail?

Pr’y thee, why so pale?

Why so dull and mute, young sinner?

Pr’y thee, why so mute?

Will, when speaking well can’t win her,

Saying nothing do ’t?

Pr’y thee, why so mute?

Quit, quit, for shame! this will not move,

This cannot take her:

If of herself she will not love,

Nothing can make her:

The devil take her!