Matthew Prior (1664-1721). The Question, to Lisetta. William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. 1910. The Book of Restoration Verse

William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910.

The Question, to Lisetta

By Matthew Prior (1664–1721)


WHAT nymph should I admire or trust,
But Chloe beauteous, Chloe just?
What nymph should I desire to see,
But her who leaves the plain for me?
To whom should I compose the lay,	5
But her who listens when I play?
To whom, in song, repeat my cares,
But her who in my sorrows shares?
For whom should I the garland make,
But her who joys the gift to take,	10
And boasts she wears it for my sake?
In love am I not fully blest?
Lisetta, prithee tell the rest.