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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AMORETTI: 18 by EDMUND SPENSER

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE ROLLING WHEEL THAT RUNNETH OFTEN ROUND
Last Line: WHILES SHE AS STEELE AND FLINT DOTH STILL REMAYNE.
Subject(s): LOVE – COMPLAINTS;
The rolling wheele, that runneth often round,
The hardest steele in tract of time doth teare:
And drizling drops, that often doe redound,
The firmest flint doth in continuance weare:
Yet cannot I, with many a dropping teare
And long intreaty, soften her hard hart,
That she will once vouchsafe my plaint to heare,
Or looke with pitty on my payneful smart.
But when I pleade, she bids me play my part,
And when I weep, she sayes teares are but water,
And when I sigh, she sayes I know the art,
And when I waile, she turnes hir selfe to laughter.
So do I weepe, and wayle, and pleade in vaine,
Whiles she as steele and flint doth still remayne.



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