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Calverley

Charles Stuart Calverley
1831-1884

"Love"
From Fly Leaves, 1872

Canst thou love me, lady?

I've not learn'd to woo:
Thou art on the shady

Side of sixty too.
Still I love thee dearly!

Thou hast lands and pelf:
But I love thee merely

Merely for thyself.

Wilt thou love me, fairest?

Though thou art not fair;
And I think thou wearest

Someone-else's hair.
Thou could'st love, though, dearly:

And, as I am told,
Thou art very nearly

Worth thy weight, in gold.

Dost thou love me, sweet one?

Tell me that thou dost!
Women fairly beat one,

But I think thou must.
Thou art loved so dearly:

I am plain, but then
Thou (to speak sincerely)

Art as plain again.

Love me, bashful fairy!

I've an empty purse:
And I've "moods," which vary;

Mostly for the worse.
Still, I love thee dearly:

Though I make (I feel)
Love a little queerly,

I'm as true as steel.

Love me, swear to love me

(As, you know, they do)
By yon heaven above me

And its changeless blue.
Love me, lady, dearly,

If you'll be so good;
Though I don't see clearly

On what ground you should.

Love me – ah or love me

Not, but be my bride!
Do not simply shove me

(So to speak) aside!
P'raps it would be dearly

Purchased at the price;
But a hundred yearly

Would be very nice.

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