When for the thorns with which I long, too long, With many a piercing wound, My Savior's head have crowned, I seek with garlands to redress that wrong; Through every garden, every mead, I gather flowers (my fruits are only flowers) Dismantling all the fragrant towers That once adorned my shepherdess's head. And now when I have summed up all my store, Thinking (so I myself deceive) So rich a chaplet thence to weave As never yet the king of glory wore; Alas I find the serpent old That, twining in his speckled breast, About the flowers disguised doth fold, With wreaths of fame and interest. Ah, foolish man, that wouldst debase with them, And mortal glory, heaven's diadem! But Thou hwo only couldst the serpent tame, Either slippery knots at once untie, And disentangle all his winding snare; Or shatter too with him my curious frame, And let these wither, so that he may die, Though set with skill and chosen out with care, Thay they, while Thou on both their spoils dost tread, May crown Thy feet, that could not crown Thy head. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A DOUBTFUL CHOICE by EDWARD DE VERE THE LAND O' THE LEAL by CAROLINA OLIPHANT NAIRNE VALENTINES TO MY MOTHER: 1876 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI REVEL by ABUL HASAN OF SANTA MARIA SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 9. WHEN by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE HOUREGLASSE by JOSEPH BEAUMONT |