AFTER all the grand emotions swirling round St Valentine's Day, perhaps an antidote is required.

And who better to administer it than the Cavalier poet Sir John Suckling (1609-1642), whose "Constant Lover" expostulated: "Out upon it, I have lov'd / Three whole days together;/ And am like to love three more,/ If it hold fair weather"?

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Why so pale and wan fond Lover?

Prithee why so pale?

Will, when looking well can't move her,

Looking ill prevaile?

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 doo't?

Prithee why so mute?

Quit, quit, for shame, this will not move,

This cannot take her;

If of her selfe she will not Love,

Nothing can make her,

The Devill take her.