The Poems of Oliver Goldsmith

Chapter 18: THE GIFT TO IRIS

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About This Book

This collection assembles lyrical, narrative, and didactic poems that mix pastoral description, social observation, and satirical wit. Works move between reflective meditations on rural life and change, concise moral essays in verse, and light comic sketches, employing classical allusion, clear narrative, and a conversational voice. Themes include the displacement of village communities, the absurdities of fashion and ambition, and sympathy for ordinary experience, balanced by formal variety and humor. The edition is accompanied by an editorial preface and biographical notes that contextualize the poems and clarify language and references.

THE GIFT TO IRIS

IN BOW STREET, COVENT GARDEN.

Say, cruel Iris, pretty rake,
Dear mercenary beauty,
What annual offering shall I make,
Expressive of my duty?

My heart, a victim to thine eyes,
Should I at once deliver—
Say, would the angry fair-one prize
The gift, who slights the giver?

A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy,
My rivals give; and let them:
If gems or gold impart a joy,
I’ll give them—when I get them.

I’ll give—but not the full-blown rose,
Or rose-bud, more in fashion—
Such short-liv’d offerings but disclose
A transitory passion—

I’ll give thee something yet unpaid,
Not less sincere than civil:
I’ll give thee—ah! too charming maid,
I’ll give thee to the devil!