Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LORDS' MASQUE: MANIA AND ORPHEUS, by THOMAS CAMPION


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LORDS' MASQUE: MANIA AND ORPHEUS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What powerful noise is this importunes me
Last Line: Wild beasts it once tamed, now let frantics bow.


Mania. What powerful noise is this importunes me,
T'abandon darkness which my humour fits?
Jove's hand in it I feel, and ever he
Must be obeyed ev'n of the frantic'st wits.
Orpheus. Mania!
Mania. Hah!
Orpheus. Brain-sick, why start'st thou so?
Approach yet nearer, and thou then shall know
The will of Jove, which he will breathe from me.
Mania. Who art thou? if my dazzled eyes can see,
Thou art the sweet enchanter heav'nly Orpheus.
Orpheus. The same, Mania, and Jove greets thee thus:
Though several power to thee and charge he gave
T'enclose in thy dominions such as rave
Through blood's distemper, how durst thou attempt
T'imprison Entheus whose rage is exempt
From vulgar censure? it is all divine,
Full of celestial rapture, that can shine
Through darkest shadows: therefore Jove by me
Commands thy power straight to set Entheus free.
Mania. How can I? Frantics with him many more
In one cave are locked up; ope once the door,
All will fly out, and through the world disturb
The peace of Jove; for what power then can curb
Their reinless fury?
Orpheus. Let not fear in vain
Trouble thy crazed fancy; all again,
Save Entheus, to thy safeguard shall retire,
For Jove into our music will inspire
The power of passion, that their thoughts shall bend
To any form or motion we intend.
Obey Jove's will then; go, set Entheus free.
Mania. I willing go, so Jove obeyed must be.
Orph. Let Music put on Protean changes now;
Wild beasts it once tamed, now let Frantics bow.





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