How blest was the created state Of man and woman, ere they fell, Compared to our unhappy fate: We need not fear another hell. Naked beneath cool shades they lay; Enjoyment waited on desire; Each member did their wills obey, Nor could a wish set pleasure higher. But we, poor slaves to hope and fear, Are never of our joys secure; They lessen still as they draw near, And none but dull delights endure. Then, Chloris, while I duly pay The nobler tribute of my heart, Be not you so severe to say You love me for the frailer part. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RETIREMENT; TO MR. IZAAK WALTON by CHARLES COTTON A RUNNABLE STAG by JOHN DAVIDSON THE WANDER-LOVERS by RICHARD HOVEY SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: PETIT THE POET by EDGAR LEE MASTERS PIONEERS! O PIONEERS! by WALT WHITMAN ODE TO WORK by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS TO LIFE by HELEN TAPPAN BERTHOFF |