Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IDYLL by VAUQUELIN DE LA FRESNAYE

First Line: IF EVERY THORN AND BUSH THAT GROWS
Last Line: TO REACH YOU, NYMPH! MOST EXCELLENT.

I

IF every thorn and bush that grows,
If every brier and every rose,
Could into sharpest arrows turn;
If all the leaves and flowers became,
Phillis! an all-devouring flame--
A furnace dire--and fiercely burn;

II

Still to approach you would I dare,
And nor for wounds and arrows care.
No flame, though furious, should prevent;
Through javelins would I make my way;
No fire should daunt, no danger stay,
To reach you, Nymph! most excellent.



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