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‘No, Thank You, John’I never said I loved you, John: Why will you tease me day by day, And wax a weariness to think upon With always ‘do’ and ‘pray’?You know I never loved you, John; No fault of mine made me your toast: Why will you haunt me with a face as wan As shows an hour-old ghost?I dare say Meg or Moll would take Pity upon you, if you’d ask: And pray don’t remain single for my sake Who can’t perform that task.I have no heart?—Perhaps I have not; But then you’re mad to take offence That I don’t give you what I have not got: Use your own common sense.Let bygones be bygones: Don’t call me false, who owed not to be true: I’d rather answer ‘No’ to fifty Johns Than answer ‘Yes’ to you. Let’s mar our pleasant days no more, Song-birds of passage, days of youth: Catch at to-day, forget the days before: I’ll wink at your untruth.Let us strike hands as hearty friends; No more, no less; and friendship’s good: Only don’t keep in view ulterior ends, And points not understoodIn open treaty. Rise above Quibbles and shuffling off and on: Here’s friendship for you if you like; but love,— No, thank you, John.

Goblin Market, and Other Poems, 1862

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William Shakespeare: King John, Act II

  • William Shakespeare: King John, Act II

TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.

Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Current Events This Week: January 2023

African Americans by the Numbers

Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents

The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales

TrendingHere are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.

Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

Current Events This Week: January 2023

African Americans by the Numbers

Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents

The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales

  • Did Birds Evolve from Dinosaurs?
  • The Twelve Dancing Princesses
  • Current Events This Week: January 2023
  • African Americans by the Numbers
  • Andersen’s Fairy Tales: Contents
  • The Celtic Twilight: A Teller of Tales