Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE VOW-BREAKER, by HENRY KING (1592-1669)


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THE VOW-BREAKER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When first the magic of thine eye
Last Line: Will blow out day, and waken death.
Subject(s): Betrayal


WHEN first the magic of thine eye,
Usurp'd upon my liberty,
Triumphing in my heart's spoil, thou
Didst lock up thine in such a vow;
When I prove false, may the bright day
Be govern'd by the Moon's pale ray!
(As I too well remember.) This
Thou said'st, and seal'dst it with a kiss.

O Heavens! and could so soon that tie
Relent in slack apostacy?
Could all thy oaths, and mortgag'd trust,
Vanish? like letters form'd in dust
Which the next wind scatters. Take heed,
Take heed, Revolter; know this deed
Hath wrong'd the world, which will fare worse
By the example than thy curse.

Hide that false brow in mists. Thy shame
Ne'er see light more, but the dim flame
Of funeral lamps. Thus sit and moan,
And learn to keep thy guilt at home.
Give it no vent; for if again
Thy Love or Vows betray more men,
At length (I fear) thy perjur'd breath
Will blow out day, and waken Death.





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