Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE: BOOK 2. CANTO 7. PRELUDE. JOY AND USE by COVENTRY KERSEY DIGHTON PATMORE

Poet Analysis

First Line: CAN OUGHT COMPARED WITH WEDLOCK BE
Last Line: AND SUNLIKE PLEASURES SHINE AT HOME.

CAN ought compared with wedlock be
For use? But He who made the heart
To use proportions joy. What He
Has join'd let no man put apart.
Sweet Order has its draught of bliss
Graced with the pearl of God's consent,
Ten times delightful in that 'tis
Considerate and innocent.
In vain Disorder grasps the cup;
The pleasure's not enjoy'd but spilt,
And, if he stoops to lick it up,
It only tastes of earth and guilt.
His sorry raptures rest destroys;
To live, like comets, they must roam;
On settled poles turn solid joys,
And sunlike pleasures shine at home.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net