Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AMORETTI: 49, by EDMUND SPENSER



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AMORETTI: 49, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fair cruel! Why are ye so fierce and cruel?
Last Line: So shall you live by giving life to me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Clout, Colin
Subject(s): Mercy


Fayre cruell, why are ye so fierce and cruell?
Is it because your eyes have powre to kill?
Then know, that mercy is the Mighties jewell,
And greater glory thinke to save then spill.
But if it be your pleasure and proud will
To shew the powre of your imperious eyes,
Then not on him that never thought you ill,
But bend your force against your enemyes.
Let them feele th' utmost of your crueltyes,
And kill with looks, as cockatrices doo:
But him that at your footstoole humbled lies,
With mercifull regard, give mercy too.
Such mercy shal you make admyred to be;
So shall you live by giving life to me.





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