Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE RETREAT, by HENRY KING (1592-1669) Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pursue no more (my thoughts!) that false unkind Last Line: As 'tis my firm resolve and last farewell. Subject(s): Farewell; Parting | ||||||||
PURSUE no more (my thoughts!) that false unkind, You may as soon imprison the North-wind; Or catch the lightning as it leaps; or reach The leading billow first ran down the breach; Or undertake the flying clouds to track In the same path they yesterday did rack. Then, like a torch turn'd downward, let the same Desire which nourish'd it, put out your flame. Lo! thus I do divorce thee from my breast, False to thy vow, and traitor to my rest! Henceforth thy tears shall be (though thou repent) Like pardons after execution sent. Nor shalt thou ever my love's story read, But as some epitaph of what is dead. So may my hope on future blessings dwell, As 'tis my firm resolve and last farewell. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE THREE CHILDREN by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN STUDY #2 FOR B.B.L. by JUNE JORDAN WATCHING THE NEEDLEBOATS AT SAN SABBA by JAMES JOYCE SESTINA: TRAVEL NOTES by WELDON KEES A CONTEMPLATION UPON FLOWERS by HENRY KING (1592-1669) |
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