Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CHLORIS AND HYLAS (MADE TO A SARABAND), by EDMUND WALLER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hylas, o hylas! Why sit we mute Last Line: The oak now resembles which lightning hath blasted. | ||||||||
Hylas, O Hylas! why sit we mute Now that each Bird saluteth the Spring? Wind up the slackned strings of thy Lute, Never canst thou want matter to sing: For Love their Breasts does fill with such a fire, That whatso'er is fair, moves thy desire. Of various flowers the Bees do compose, Yet no particular taste it brings Of Violet, Woodbind, Pink or Rose: So love the result is of all the graces Which flow from a thousand several faces. Could we but know the Language they use, They would instruct us better in Love, And reprehend thy inconstant Muse: For Love their Breasts does fill with such a fire, That what they once do chuse, bounds their desire. Which the warm Season hither does bring; Time from your self does further remove You, than the Winter from the gay Spring: She that like lightning shin'd while her face lasted, The Oak now resembles which lightning hath blasted. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OF THE LAST VERSES IN THE BOOK by EDMUND WALLER OF ENGLISH VERSE by EDMUND WALLER OF MY LADY ISABELLA PLAYING ON THE LUTE by EDMUND WALLER ON THE FRIENDSHIP BETWIXT TWO LADIES by EDMUND WALLER THE SELF BANISHED (2) by EDMUND WALLER THE STORY OF PHOEBUS [OR APOLLO] AND DAPHNE APPLIED by EDMUND WALLER |
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