Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE ADVICE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Phyllis, for shame, let us improve
Last Line: Most miserably wise.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dorset, 6th Earl Of; Middlesex, 1st Earl Of
Variant Title(s): Song


PHYLLIS, for shame, let us improve
A thousand several ways.
These few short minutes stolen by love
From many tedious days.

Whilst you want courage to despise
The censure of the grave,
For all the tyrants in your eyes,
Your heart is but a slave.

My love is full of noble pride,
And never will submit
To let that fop, Discretion, ride
In triumph over wit.

False friends I have, as well as you,
That daily counsel me
Vain frivolous trifles to pursue,
And leave off loving thee.

When I the least belief bestow
On what such fools advise,
May I be dull enough to grow
Most miserably wise.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net