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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PROTEST by WILLIAM WATSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: BID ME NO MORE TO OTHER EYES
Last Line: O YIELDED LIPS, O CAPTIVE BREAST!

BID me no more to other eyes
With wandering worship fare,
And weave my numbers garland-wise
To crown another's hair.
On me no more a mandate lay
Thou wouldst not have me to obey!

Bid me no more to leave unkissed
That rose-wreathed porch of pearl.
Shall I, where'er the winds may list,
Give them my life to whirl?
Perchance too late thou wilt be fain
Thy exile to recall -- in vain.

Bid me no more from thee depart,
For in thy voice to-day
I hear the tremor of thy heart
Entreating me to stay;
I hear . . . nay, silence tells it best,
O yielded lips, O captive breast!



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