WHAT means this folly, now to brave it so, And then to use submission? Is that a friend that straight can play the foe? Who loves on such condition? Though briars breed roses, none the briar affect: But with the flower are pleased. Love only loves delight and soft respect: He must not be diseased. These thorny passions spring from barren breasts, Or such as need much weeding. Love only loves delight and soft respect; But sends them not home bleeding. Command thy humour, strive to give content, And shame not love's profession. Of kindness never any could repent That made choice with discretion. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLACES: 4. EVENING (NAHANT) by SARA TEASDALE THE VANISHING BOAT by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE TO STATECRAFT EMBALMED by MARIANNE MOORE ODE IN MEMORY OF THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS FALLEN FOR FRANCE by ALAN SEEGER INCIDENT AT BRUGES by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE FORLORN ONE by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM |