THE CONSTANT LOVER

 

          THE CONSTANT LOVER

“The Constant Lover” is a poem by the English poet Sir John Suckling (1609-1642). A staunch royalist, he was very rich, brilliant, witty, spendthrift and libertine. His love poems are full of fun and frivolity. ‘The Constant Lover’ is slightly different. It tells us that you cannot win the heart of a lady by becoming pale-faced or by becoming morose and silent.   There is no pity for lovers due to these  postures.  Love cannot be created by such devices.  Love is natural. If a lady will not herself be inclined to love , nothing can move her so.  

            Here is the text of the poem:-

Why so pale and wan, fond lover?

Prithee, why so pale?

Will, when looking well can”t move her,

Looking ill prevail?

Prithee, why so pale?

 

Why so dull and mute, young sinner?

Prithee, why so mute?

Will, when speaking well can’t win her,

Saying nothing do’t ?

Prithee, why so mute?

 

Quit, quit, for shame! This will not move,

This cannot take her;

If of herself she will not love,

Nothing can make her;

The Devil take her !

                                                            ******

G.R.Kanwal

4^th October 2023