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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MONSIEUR DE LA MOTHE LE VAYER, UPON THE DEATH OF HIS SON by MOLIERE

Poem Explanation

First Line: LET THY TEARS, LE VAYER, LET THEM FLOW
Last Line: -- SURELY THESE CLAIM IMMITIGABLE [OR, ETERNITY OF] TEARS!
Subject(s): DEATH - CHILDREN; MOTHE LE VAYER, FRANCOIS DE LA; DEATH - BABIES;

LET thy tears flow, LE VAYER, let them flow: --
None of scant cause thy sorrowing can accuse,
Since, losing that which thou for aye dost lose,
E'en the most wise might find a ground for woe.

Vainly we strive with precepts to forego
The drops of pity that are Pity's dues;
And Nature's self, indignant, doth refuse
To count for fortitude that heartless show.

No grief, alas! can now bring back again
The son too dear, by Death untimely ta'en;
Yet, not the less, his loss is hard to bear,
Graced as he was by all the world reveres,
Large heart, keen wit, a lofty soul and rare, --
-- Surely these claim immitigable [or, eternity of] tears!




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