Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE VAIN ADVICE by CATHERINE TROTTER COCKBURN

First Line: AH, GAZE NOT ON THOSE EYES! FORBEAR
Last Line: IS TOO FAR LOST TO HAVE THE POWER TO FLY.

Ah, gaze not on those eyes! forbear
That soft enchanting voice to hear:
Not looks of basilisks give surer death
Nor Syrens sing with more destructive breath.

Fly, if thy freedom thou'dst maintain:
Alas! I feel the advice is vain!
A heart whose safety but in flight does lie,
Is too far lost to have the power to fly.



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