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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


KING ARTHUR: SONG OF VENUS by JOHN DRYDEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: FAIREST ISLE, ALL ISLES EXCELLING
Last Line: THOSE SHALL BE RENOWN'D FOR LOVE.
Subject(s): CUPID; LOVE; MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL; SINGING & SINGERS; VENUS (GODDESS); EROS; SONGS;

1

FAIREST Isle, all Isles Excelling,
Seat of Pleasures, and of Loves;
Venus here will chuse her Dwelling,
And forsake her @3Cyprian@1 Groves.

2

Cupid, from his Fav'rite Nation,
Care and Envy will Remove;
Jealousy that poysons Passion,
And Despair that dies for Love.

3

Gentle Murmurs, sweet Complaining,
Sighs that blow the Fire of Love;
soft Repulses, kind Disdaining,
Shall be all the Pains you prove.

4

Ev'ry Swain shall pay his Duty,
Grateful ev'ry Nymph shall prove;
And as these Excel in Beauty,
Those shall be Renown'd for Love.



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