1.
Comment on the title of the poem:
2. Who is the speaker? What is the tone?
Why do you think this is so?
9. Identify some contrasting words used. Why
has Wroth used them?
Explain why.
10. Select a word or phrase that stands out for you.
Song: Love, a child, is ever crying
- Lady Mary Wroth (c. 1620)
3. What does the first stanza mean?
LOVE, a child, is ever crying;
Please him, and he straight is flying;
Give him, he the more is craving,
Never satisfied with having.
4. Paraphrase the second stanza.
His desires have no measure;
Endless folly is his treasure;
What he promiseth he breaketh;
Trust not one word that he speaketh.
5. What does this third stanza mean?
He vows nothing but false matter;
And to cozen you will flatter;
Let him gain the hand, hell leave you
And still glory to deceive you.
6. Why will he be happy as outlined in the
He will triumph in your wailing;
fourth stanza?
And yet cause be of your failing:
These his virtues are, and slighter
Are his gifts, his favours lighter.
Feathers are as firm in staying; 7. Look at the first two and last two lines of
the poem. Comment.
Wolves no fiercer in their preying;
As a child then, leave him crying;
Nor seek him so given to flying.
8. Why does Wroth refer to the
child?