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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE NIGHTINGALE by PHILIP SIDNEY

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THE NIGHTINGALE, AS SOON AS APRIL BRINGETH
Last Line: THY THORN WITHOUT, MY THORN MY HEART INVADETH.
Subject(s): BIRDS; LOVE; NIGHTINGALES;

The nightingale, as soon as April bringeth
Unto her rested sense a perfect waking,
While late bare earth, proud of new clothing, springeth,
Sings out her woes, a thorn her song-book making.
And mournfully bewailing
Her throat in tunes expresseth.
What grief her breast oppresseth
For Tereus' force on her chaste will prevailing.
Oh Philomela fair, O take some gladness,
That here is juster cause of plaintful sadness:
Thine earth now springs, mine fadeth;
Thy thorn without, my thorn my heart invadeth.



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