Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE DEFIANCE; SONG, by THOMAS FLATMAN Poet's Biography First Line: Be not too proud, imperious dame Last Line: Th' usurper death will make thee lay it down. Subject(s): Mortality; Transience; Impermanence | ||||||||
Be not too proud, imperious Dame, Your charms are transitory things, May melt, while you at Heaven aim, Like Icarus's Waxen Wings; And you a part in his misfortune bear, Drown'd in a briny Ocean of despair. Your think your beauties are above, The Poets Brain, and Painters Hand, As if upon the Throne of Love You only should the World command: Yet know, though you presume your title true, There are pretenders, that will Rival you. There's an experienc'd Rebel, Time, And in his Squadrons Poverty; There's Age that brings along with him A terrible Artillery: And if against all these thou keep'st thy Crown, Th' Usurper Death will make thee lay it down. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FROM THE SPANISH by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON CHAMBER MUSIC: 17 by JAMES JOYCE SOUTHERN GOTHIC by DONALD JUSTICE THE BEACH IN AUGUST by WELDON KEES THE MAN SPLITTING WOOD IN THE DAYBREAK by GALWAY KINNELL THE SEEKONK WOODS by GALWAY KINNELL AN APPEAL TO CATS IN THE BUSINESS OF LOVE; SONG by THOMAS FLATMAN |
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