I. HAD I but known some years ago What wretched lovers undergo, The tempests and the storms that rise From their Beloved's dangerous eyes, With how much torment they endure That ague and that calenture; Long since I had my error seen, Long since repented of my sin: Too late the soldier dreads the trumpet's sound That newly has receiv'd his mortal wound. II. But so adventurous was I My fortunes all alone to try, Needs must I kiss the burning light, Because it shin'd, because 'twas bright. My heart with youthful heat on fire, I thought some God did me inspire; And that blind zeal embold'ned me T' attempt Althea's Deity. Surely those happy Pow'rs that dwell above, Or never courted, or enjoy'd their love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TIGER, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE GERANIUMS by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON THE REVENGE OF RAIN-IN-THE-FACE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE LOVER: A BALLAD by MARY WORTLEY MONTAGU THE GOLDEN YEAR! by ALFRED AUSTIN PSALM 7. DOMINE DEUS MEUS by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE LITTLE SISTER by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON FOUR EPISTLES: MIRACLE AT THE FEAST OF PENTECOST: 4 by JOHN BYROM |