Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BOY'S ANSWER TO THE BLACKMOOR by HENRY KING (1592-1669)

Poet Analysis

First Line: BLACK MAID, COMPLAIN NOT THAT I FLY
Last Line: AND THEN I WILL BEQUEATH MYSELF TO THEE.
Subject(s): BLACKS; COURTSHIP; LOVE - CULTURAL DIFFERENCES;
BLACK maid, complain not that I fly,
When Fate commands antipathy:
Prodigious might that union prove,
Where Night and Day together move,
And the conjunction of our lips
Not kisses make, but an eclipse;
In which the mixed black and white
Portends more terror than delight.
Yet if my shadow thou wilt be,
Enjoy thy dearest wish: but see
Thou take my shadow's property,
That hastes away when I come nigh:
Else stay till death hath blinded me,
And then I will bequeath myself to thee.



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