[Page 305]

THE GIFT: TO IRIS.

By Dr. GOLDSMITH.
1 SAY, cruel Iris, pretty rake,
2 Dear mercenary beauty,
3 What annual offering shall I make,
4 Expressive of my duty?
5 My heart, a victim to thine eyes,
6 Should I at once deliver,
7 Say, would the angry fair one prize
8 The gift, who slights the giver?
9 A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,
10 My rivals give — and let 'em:
11 If gems, or gold, impart a joy,
12 I'll give them, when I get 'em.
13 I'll give — but not the full-blown rose,
14 Or rose-bud more in fashion;
15 Such short-liv'd offerings but disclose
16 A transitory passion:
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17 I'll give thee something yet unpaid,
18 Not less sincere than civil:
19 I'll give thee — Ah! too charming maid,
20 I'll give thee — to the devil,

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Title (in Source Edition): THE GIFT: TO IRIS.
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Themes: love
Genres: address
References: DMI 31277

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Mendez, Moses. A collection of the most esteemed pieces of poetry: that have appeared for several years. With variety of originals, by the late Moses Mendez, Esq; and other contributors to Dodsley's collection. To which this is intended as a supplement. London: printed for Richardson and Urquhart, 1767, pp. 305-306. [8],320p. ; 8⁰. (ESTC T124631; DMI 1073; OTA K099398.000) (Page images digitized from a copy in the Bodleian Library [Harding C 148].)

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