Classic Poem

Think'st thou, Kate, to put me down
With a " No" or with a frown?
Since Love holds my heart in bands
I must do as Love commands.

Love commands the hands to dare
When the tongue of speech is spare,
Chiefest lesson in Love's school,
" Put it in adventure, fool!"

Fools are they that fainting flinch
For a squeak, a scratch, a pinch;
Women's words have double sense;
" Stand away," a simple fence.

If thy mistress swear she'll cry,
Fear her not, she'll swear and lie;
Such sweet oaths no sorrow bring
Till the prick of conscience sting.