THE GIFT TO IRIS
THE GIFT TO IRIS
THE GIFT TO IRIS
IN BOW STREET, COVENT GARDEN.
Say, cruel Iris, pretty rake,Dear mercenary beauty,What annual offering shall I make,Expressive of my duty?My heart, a victim to thine eyes,Should I at oncedeliver—Say, would the angry fair-one prizeThe gift, who slights the giver?A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,My rivals give; and let them:If gems or gold impart a joy,I’ll give them—when I get them.I’ll give—but not the full-blown rose,Or rose-bud, more infashion—Such short-liv’d offerings but discloseA transitorypassion—I’ll give thee something yet unpaid,Not less sincere than civil:I’ll give thee—ah! too charming maid,I’ll give thee to the devil!
Say, cruel Iris, pretty rake,Dear mercenary beauty,What annual offering shall I make,Expressive of my duty?My heart, a victim to thine eyes,Should I at oncedeliver—Say, would the angry fair-one prizeThe gift, who slights the giver?A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,My rivals give; and let them:If gems or gold impart a joy,I’ll give them—when I get them.I’ll give—but not the full-blown rose,Or rose-bud, more infashion—Such short-liv’d offerings but discloseA transitorypassion—I’ll give thee something yet unpaid,Not less sincere than civil:I’ll give thee—ah! too charming maid,I’ll give thee to the devil!
Say, cruel Iris, pretty rake,Dear mercenary beauty,What annual offering shall I make,Expressive of my duty?
My heart, a victim to thine eyes,Should I at oncedeliver—Say, would the angry fair-one prizeThe gift, who slights the giver?
A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,My rivals give; and let them:If gems or gold impart a joy,I’ll give them—when I get them.
I’ll give—but not the full-blown rose,Or rose-bud, more infashion—Such short-liv’d offerings but discloseA transitorypassion—
I’ll give thee something yet unpaid,Not less sincere than civil:I’ll give thee—ah! too charming maid,I’ll give thee to the devil!