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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON A DAMASK ROSE STICKING UPON A LADY'S BREAST by THOMAS CAREW

Poet Analysis

First Line: LET PRIDE GROW BIG, MY ROSE, AND LET THE CLEAR
Last Line: WOULD BE TRANSFORM'D INTO A ROSE AS THOU.
Subject(s): FLOWERS; ROSES;

LET pride grow big, my rose, and let the clear
And damask colour of thy leaves appear;
Let scent and looks be sweet and bless that hand
That did transplant thee to that sacred land.
O happy thou that in that garden rests,
That paradise between that lady's breasts!
There's an eternal Spring; there shalt thou lie
Betwixt two lily mounts, and never die.
There shalt thou spring amongst the fertile valleys,
By buds like thee that grow in midst of alleys.
There none dare pluck thee, for that place is such,
That, but a good divine, there's none dare touch.
If any but approach, straight doth arise
A blushing lightning flash and blasts his eyes.
There, 'stead of rain, shall living fountains flow,
For wind, her fragrant breath for ever blow:
Nor now, as erst, one sun shall on thee shine,
But those two glorious suns, her eyes divine.
O then, what monarch would not think't a grace
To leave his regal throne to have thy place?
Myself, to gain thy blessed seat, do vow,
Would be transform'd into a rose as thou.



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