Driving to desire, adread also to dare, Between two stools my tail goeth to the ground. Dread and desire the reason doth confound, The tongue put to silence. The heart, in hope and fear, Doth dread that it dare and hide that would appear. Desirous and dreadful, at liberty I go bound. For pressing to proffer methinks I hear the sound: 'Back off thy boldness. Thy courage passeth care.' This dangerousd doubt, whether to obey My dread or my desire, so sore doth me trouble That cause causeth for dread of my decay. In thought all one; in deeds to show me double, Fearful and faithful! Yet take me as I am, Though double in deeds, a inward perfect man. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO A MOUSE, ON TURNING HER UP IN HER NEST WITH THE PLOUGH by ROBERT BURNS NO BABY IN THE HOUSE by CLARA G. DOLLIVER TO ONE IN BEDLAM by ERNEST CHRISTOPHER DOWSON SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: PETIT THE POET by EDGAR LEE MASTERS MEMORIAL TO D.C.: 2. PRAYER TO PERSEPHONE by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY |