Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CRUX VIA CAELORUM: 4, by PATRICK CAREY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CRUX VIA CAELORUM: 4, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a dark cave below
Last Line: Tempt me, these thoughts will then my mind uphold.
Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; Spiritual Life


In a dark cave below
The conqueror does throw
His miserable vanquish'd foe.
Deep is the dungeon where that wretch is cast,
Thither day comes not nigh;
Dampish and nasty vapours do him blast,
Yet still his heart is high.
His prison is so strait
He cannot move at will;
Huge chains oppress him with their weight,
Yet has he courage still.
And can I think I want my libertee,
When in such thrall he keeps his mind so free?

It shall not be: No, no;
The sailor I'll outgo,
The soldier, slave, and vanquish'd foe;
When others rage, I'll think how I am tost;
The seaman in the main,
The naked slave shall, i' th' most piercing frost,
Make me bear any pain.
The march I'll call to mind,
When weary, and get wings:
Lest I should think myself confin'd
The pris'ner freedom brings.
Whene'er restraint, or grief, or fear, or cold,
Tempt me, these thoughts will then my mind uphold.





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