Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LOVE'S POTENCIE, by WILLIAM MOTHERWELL


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LOVE'S POTENCIE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If men were fashioned of the stone
Last Line: My heart must feel, its love must live!
Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, Isaac
Subject(s): Love - Nature Of


IF men were fashioned of the stone,
Then might they never yield to love --
But fashioned as they are, they owne
(On earth, as in the realme above,)
That Beauty, in perfection stil
Controls the thoughts, impels the wil.

And sure 'twere vaine to stemme the tide
Of passion surging in the breast --
Since fierce ambition, stubborn pryde
Have each the sovereigne power confest;
Which rolleth on, despite al staie,
Sweeping ilk prudent shifte awaye.

What though the mayden that we love
May fail to meet the troth we bear --
Nor once its generous warmth approve,
Nor bate one jot of our despaire --
Doth not the blind dictator say --
"Thou foolish wichte pyne on alwaie!"

We cannot read the wondrous lawes
That knit the soul to lovelinesse;
We feel their influence, but their cause
Remains a theme of mysticknesse --
We only know Love may not be
O'ermastered by Wil's energie.

Nor would I wish to break the dream
Of troubled joy; that still is mine --
Albeit that the cheering gleam
Of hope hath almost ceased to shine --
So long as Beauty light doth give,
My heart must feel, its love must live!





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