Matthew Prior

Bid the Devil take the slowest.

Bid the Devil take the slowest.

Variety alone gives joy;
The sweetest meats the soonest cloy.

Variety alone gives joy;
The sweetest meats the soonest cloy.

Ev'n so, with all submission, I
. . . .
Send you each year a homely letter,
read more

Ev'n so, with all submission, I
. . . .
Send you each year a homely letter,
Who may return me much a better.

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest read more

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest walks, but walks astray,
Is only furthest from his way.

Or have you mark'd a partridge quake,
Viewing the towering falcon nigh?
She cuddles low behind the read more

Or have you mark'd a partridge quake,
Viewing the towering falcon nigh?
She cuddles low behind the brake:
Nor would she stay; nor dares she fly.