Suckling. Song. "I prithee spare me, gentle boy."

SONG
by Sir John Suckling

I
I PRITHEE spare me, gentle boy ;
Press me no more for that slight toy,
That foolish trifle of an heart :
I swear it will not do its part,
Though thou dost thine, employ'st thy power and art.

2
For through long custom it has known
The little secrets, and is grown
Sullen and wise, will have its will,
And, like old hawks, pursues that still
That makes least sport, flies only where 't can kill.

3
Some youth that has not made his story,
Will think perchance the pain's the glory,
And mannerly sit out love's feast ;
I shall be carving of the best,
Rudely call for the last course 'fore the rest.

4
And O, when once that course is past,
How short a time the feast doth last !
Men rise away, and scarce say grace,
Or civilly once thank the face
That did invite, but seek another place.

Source:
Suckling, John. The Works of Sir John Suckling. A. Hamilton Thompson, ed.
London: George Routledge & Sons, Ltd., 1910. 20-21.

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