You must not wonder, though you think it strange

George Gascoigne 1535 (Cardington) – 1577



You must not wonder, though you think it strange,
To see me hold my lowering head so low;
And that mine eyes take no delight to range
About the gleams which on your face do grow.
The mouse which once hath broken out of trap
Is seldom teased with the trustless bait,
But lies aloof for fear of more mishap,
And feedeth still in doubt of deep deceit.
The scorched fly which once hath 'scap'd the flame
Will hardly come to play again with fire.
Whereby I learn that grievous is the game
Which follows fancy dazzled by desire.
So that I wink or else hold down my head,
Because your blazing eyes my bale have bred.
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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on April 25, 2023

35 sec read
150

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABABCDCEFGFGHH
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 609
Words 117
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 14

George Gascoigne

George Gascoigne was an English poet, soldier and unsuccessful courtier. more…

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    "You must not wonder, though you think it strange" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/15024/you-must-not-wonder,-though-you-think-it-strange>.

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