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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CAELIA: SONNETS: 8 by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643)

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS OFT AS I MEET ONE THAT COMES FROM YOU
Last Line: LOVE ME ALONE AND SAY ALONE YOU LOVE ME.
Subject(s): LOVE; ABSENCE; SEPARATION; ISOLATION;

AS oft as I meet one that comes from you,
And ask your health, not as the usual fashion,
Before he speaks, I doubt there will ensue,
As oft there doth, the common commendation:
Alas, think I, did he but know my mind
(Though for the world I would not have it so)
He would relate it in another kind,
Discourse of it at large, and yet but slow;
He should th' occasion tell, and with it too
Add how you charg'd him he should not forget;
For thus you might, as sure some lovers do,
Though such a messenger I have not met:
Nor do I care, since 'twill not further move me:
Love me alone and say alone you love me.



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