Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 29, by THOMAS CAMPION


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 29, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: And would you fain the reason know
Last Line: To fight till both be overthrown.
Subject(s): Love – Complaints


AND would you fain the reason know
Why my sad eyes so often flow?
My heart ebbs joy, when they do so,
And loves the moon by whom they go.

And will you ask why pale I look?
'Tis not with poring on my book:
My mistress' cheek, my blood hath took,
For her mine own hath me forsook.

Do not demand why I am mute:
Love's silence doth all speech confute.
They set the note, then tune the lute;
Hearts frame their thoughts, then tongues their suit.

Do not admire why I admire:
My fever is no other's fire:
Each several heart hath his desire;
Else proof is false, and truth a liar.

If why I love you should see cause:
Love should have form like other laws,
But Fancy pleads not by the clause:
'Tis as the sea, still vexed with flaws.

No fault upon my love espy:
For you perceive not with my eye;
My palate to your taste may lie,
Yet please itself deliciously.

Then let my sufferance be mine own:
Sufficeth it these reasons shown:
Reason and love are ever known
To fight till both be overthrown.





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