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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE SHEPHERD'S CONCEIT OF PROMETHEUS by EDWARD DYER

First Line: PROMETHEUS, WHEN FIRST FROM HEAVEN HIGH
Last Line: HE FOR A WHILE; I EVERMORE HAVE SMART.

Prometheus, when first from heaven high
He brought down fire, till then on earth not seen,
Fond of delight, a satyr standing by
Gave it a kiss, as it like sweet had been.
Feeling forthwith the other burning power,
Wood with the smart, with shouts and shrieking still,
He sought his ease in river, field and bower,
But for the time his grief went with him still.
So silly I, with that unwonted sight,
In human shape, an angel from above,
Feeding mine eyes, th'impression there did light,
That since I run and rest as pleaseth love.
The difference is, the satyr's lips, my heart;
He for a while; I evermore have smart.



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