.Nw.ODU3

[nb: some text pulled from an alternate, printed copy] Verses

[illegible] by a Gent. to his Lady will a present of a Knife A Knife dear Girl cuts Love they say;-- [M]ere Modish love perhaps it may: [F]or any tool of any kind, [Ca]n sep'rate what was never joined. [T]he Knife that cuts our love in two, [W]ill have much tougher work to do; [Mu]st cut such softness, worth & Spirit [Do]wn to the vulgar size of merit; [To] level yours with modern taste, [Mu]st cut a world of sense to waste; [An]d from your single Beauty's store, [Clip] wt would dizen out a score. [The] self same blade from me must sever. [Sen]sation, Judgement, Sight, for ever; [All] mem'ry of endearments past, [All] hope of Comforts long to last, [All] that makes fourteen years with you, [A] Summer -- and a short one too: [A]ll that affection feels and fears, [W]hen hours with you seem like years-- [Ti]ll that be done (and I'd as soon [B]elieve this Knife will chip the moon) [Ac]cept my present undeterred [An]d leave their proverbs to the herd. [If] in a kiss -- delicious treat! -- [You] lips acknowledge the receipt, [Lov]e fond of such substantial fare, [An]d proud to play the glutton there; [All] thoughts of cutting will disdain, [Sav]e only -- cut and come again