Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET, by HENRY KING (1592-1669)



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Go, thou that vainly dost mine eyes invite
Last Line: When fierce winds rock them on the foaming wave.
Subject(s): Transience; Impermanence


Go, thou that vainly dost mine eyes invite
To taste the softer comforts of the night,
And bid'st me cool the fever of my brain
In those sweet balmy dews which slumber pain;
Enjoy thine own peace in untroubled sleep,
Whilst my sad thoughts eternal vigils keep.

O couldst thou for a time change breasts with me,
Thou in that broken glass shouldst plainly see
A heart which wastes in the slow smoth'ring fire
Blown by Despair, and fed by false Desire,
Can only reap such sleeps as sea-men have,
When fierce winds rock them on the foaming wave.





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