Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CATHARINA: SECOND PART; ON HER MARRIAGE TO GEORGE COURTENAY, by WILLIAM COWPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Believe it or not, as you chuse Last Line: How soon I can make her a mother Subject(s): Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives | ||||||||
BELIEVE it or not, as you chuse, The doctrine is certainly true, That the future is known to the Muse, And poets are oracles too. I did but express a desire To see Catharina at home, At the side of my friend George's fire, And lo--she is actually come. Such prophecy some may despise, But the wish of a poet and friend Perhaps is approved in the skies, And therefore attains to its end. 'Twas a wish that flew ardently forth From a bosom effectually warmed With the talents, the graces, and worth Of the person for whom it was formed. Maria would leave us, I knew, To the grief and regret of us all, But less to our grief, could we view Catharina the Queen of the Hall. And therefore I wished as I did, And therefore this union of hands; Not a whisper was heard to forbid, But all cry, Amen! to the banns. Since therefore I seem to incur No danger of wishing in vain, When making good wishes for her, I will e'en to my wishes again; With one I have made her a wife, And now I will try with another, Which I cannot suppress for my life,-- How soon I can make her a mother | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BLESSING FOR A WEDDING by JANE HIRSHFIELD A SUITE FOR MARRIAGE by DAVID IGNATOW ADVICE TO HER SON ON MARRIAGE by MARY BARBER THE RABBI'S SON-IN-LAW by SABINE BARING-GOULD KISSING AGAIN by DORIANNE LAUX A TIME PAST by DENISE LEVERTOV A COMPARISON by WILLIAM COWPER |
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