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Keyword: john dryden
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A LETTER TO SIR GEORGE ETHEREGE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To you who live in chill degree
Last Line: Has writ without a ten years warning.
Subject(s): Etherege, Sir George (1635-1692); Letters; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


A PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Gallants, a bashful poet bids me say
Last Line: Tis hard, he thinks, if neither part will do.
Subject(s): Muses; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


A SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fair, sweet and young, receive a prize
Last Line: For after dying all reprieve's too late.
Subject(s): Beauty; Fate; Love; Destiny


A SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: High state and honours to others impart
Last Line: So give up my game.
Subject(s): Beauty; Fate; Love; Destiny


A SONG FOR ST. CECILIA'S DAY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: From harmony, from heavenly harmony, / this universal frame began
Last Line: And music shall untune the sky.
Variant Title(s): St. Cecilia's Day;ode On Cecilia's Day;harmony;a Song For St. Cecilia's Day, 1687
Subject(s): Cecilia, Saint (3d Century); Music & Musicians; Saints


A SONG TO A FAIR YOUNG LADY GOING OUT OF TOWN IN THE SPRING, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ask not the cause, why sullen spring
Last Line: To be the victim for mankind.
Variant Title(s): To A Fair Young Lady
Subject(s): Flora (goddess); Flowers; Love; Spring; Women; Chloris (goddess)


ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin
Last Line: And willing nations knew their lawful lord.
Variant Title(s): Absalom And Achitophel: A Poem
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); Conspiracy; Cooper, Anthony (1621-1683); Great Britain - Popish Plot (1678-80); Hyde, Lawrence. 1st Earl Of Rochester; James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460); Jews; Politics & Government; Scott, James. Duke Of Mon


ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL: PART 2 (IN POEM BY NAHUM TATE), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Next these, a troop of busy spirits press
Last Line: And for my foes may this their blessing be, %to talk like doeg and to write like thee
Subject(s): Great Britain - Popish Plot (1678-80); Pordage, Samuel (1633-1691); Settle, Elkanah (1648-1724); Shadwell, Thomas (1642-1692)


ALBION AND ALBANIUS, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


ALBION AND ALBANIUS: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: After our aesop's fable shown today
Last Line: This britain's basis on a word is laid, %as by a word the world itself was made
Subject(s): James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460); Opera


ALBION AND ALBANIUS: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Full twenty years and more,our laboring stage
Last Line: Voices may help your charter to restoring, %and get by singing what you lost by roaring
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460); Opera


ALEXANDER'S FEAST; OR, THE POWER OF MUSIC, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Twas at the royal feast, for persia won
Last Line: She drew an angel down.
Variant Title(s): The Power Of Music;alexanders Plot;alexander's Feast; Or The Power Of Music: An Ode In Houour Of St
Subject(s): Alexander The Great (356-323 B.c.); Music & Musicians


ALL FOR LOVE, OR THE WORLD WELL LOST, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Love


ALL FOR LOVE, OR THE WORLD WELL LOST: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Poets, like disputants, when reasons fail
Last Line: Tis more than one man's work to please you all.
Variant Title(s): Prologue And Epilogue To All For Love: Epilogue
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


ALL FOR LOVE, OR THE WORLD WELL LOST: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What flocks of critics hover here to-day
Last Line: Such rivell'd fruits as winter can afford.
Variant Title(s): Prologue And Epilogue To All For Love: Prologue To Antony And Cleopatr
Subject(s): Critics & Criticism; Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


ALMANZOR & ALMAHIDE, OR THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA: PART 2. EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They who have best succeeded on the stage
Last Line: To please an age more gallant than the last.
Variant Title(s): Prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 6
Subject(s): Theater & Theaters; Stage Life


ALMANZOR & ALMAHIDE, OR THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA: PART 2. PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They who write ill, and they who ne'r durst write
Last Line: Will prove a dowdy, with a face to fright you.
Variant Title(s): Prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 5
Subject(s): Authors & Authorship; Critics & Criticism; Imagination; Plays & Playwrights ; Fancy; Dramatists


ALMANZOR & ALMAHIDE, OR THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This jeast was first of t' other houses making
Last Line: As, in a combat, coats of mayle, and charms.
Variant Title(s): Prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 1
Subject(s): Gwynn, Eleanor (nell) (1650-1687); Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Gwyn, Eleanor (nell); Gwynne, Eleanor (nell); Dramatists


ALMANZOR & ALMAHIDE, OR THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wherever I am, and whatever I do
Last Line: Than ever be freed from her pow'r.
Variant Title(s): Song: Phyllis;prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 4
Subject(s): Love; Singing & Singers; Women; Songs


ALMANZOR & ALMAHIDE, OR THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA: SONG OF ZAMBRA DANCE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath a myrtle shade
Last Line: Asleep or waking you must ease my pain.
Variant Title(s): Prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 3
Subject(s): Flowers; Love; Nymphs; Singing & Singers; Sleep; Songs


ALMANZOR & ALMAHIDE, OR THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA: SONG OF ZAMBRA DANCE2, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How unhappy a lover am I
Last Line: For the souls to meet closer above.
Variant Title(s): Prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 7
Subject(s): Death; Fate; Hope; Love - Loss Of; Nymphs; Dead, The; Destiny; Optimism


AMBOYNA: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A poet once the spartan's led to fight
Last Line: Let caesar live, and carthage be subdu'd!
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; England; Great Britain - Dutch War (1672-1678); Honor; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; English; Dramatists


AMBOYNA: EPITHALAMIUM, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The day is come, I see it rise
Last Line: And now despairing shuts her eyes.
Subject(s): Eyes; Love; Marriage; Virginity; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Vestals


AMBOYNA: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As needy gallants, in the scrivener's hands
Last Line: As much improper as would honesty.
Variant Title(s): Satire On The Dutch
Subject(s): Cruelty; Great Britain - Dutch War (1672-1678); Merchants; Plays & Playwrights ; Religion; Dramatists; Theology


AMBOYNA: SONG OF THE SEA FIGHT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Who ever saw a noble sight
Last Line: As this so brave, so bloody sea fight.
Subject(s): Fights; Sailing & Sailors; Sea; Singing & Singers; Seamen; Sails; Ocean; Songs


AMPHITRYON, OR THE TWO SOSIAS: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I'm thinking (and it almost makes me mad)
Last Line: To get young godlings; and, so, mend our breed.
Subject(s): Life; Love; Nymphs; Women


AMPHITRYON: PASTORAL DIALOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thyrsis: fair iris and her swain
Last Line: And fear not to be poor.
Subject(s): Death; Fate; Kisses; Plays & Playwrights ; Dead, The; Destiny; Dramatists


AMPHITRYON: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Celia, that I once was blest
Last Line: Love that's true, is love for ever.
Subject(s): Blessings; Love; Singing & Singers; Songs


AMPHITRYON: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fair iris I love and hourly I die
Last Line: So easie to part, or so equally join'd.
Subject(s): Blessings; Love; Singing & Singers; Songs


AMPHITYRON, OR THE TWO SOSIAS: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The laboring bee, when his sharp sting is gone
Last Line: To make fine fools of you, and all your parts.
Subject(s): Bees; Fame; Insects; Plays & Playwrights ; Theater & Theaters; Beekeeping; Reputation; Bugs; Dramatists; Stage Life


AN EVENING'S LOVE, OR THE MOCK ASTROLOGER: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My part being small, I have had time to-day
Last Line: And please you to a height, or not at all.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Writing & Writers; Dramatists


AN EVENING'S LOVE, OR THE MOCK ASTROLOGER: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When first our poet set himself to write
Last Line: Be kind to day, and cuckold him to morrow.
Subject(s): Muses; Poetry & Poets


AN EVENING'S LOVE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You charm'd me not with that fair face
Last Line: Which made us brave before.
Subject(s): Courage; Fortune; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Singing & Singers; War; Valor; Bravery; Songs


AN EVENING'S LOVE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: After the pangs of a desperate lover
Last Line: Ah what a joy to hear, shall we again!
Subject(s): Courage; Fortune; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Singing & Singers; War; Valor; Bravery; Songs


AN EVENING'S LOVE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Calm was the even, and clear was the sky
Last Line: He laugh'd out with a ha ha ha ha.
Subject(s): Courage; Fortune; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Singing & Singers; War; Valor; Bravery; Songs


AN EVENING'S LOVE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Celimena, of my heart
Last Line: When we come together.
Subject(s): Courage; Fortune; Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Singing & Singers; War; Valor; Bravery; Songs


AND COULD WE CHOOSE THE TIME AND CHOOSE ARIGHT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


ANNUS MIRABILIS: AN ACCOUNT OF THE ENSUING POEM, IN A LETTER TO THE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sir, %I am so many ways obliged to you and so little able to return
Last Line: Pretending to a greater, which I have given them
Variant Title(s): An Account Of The Ensuing Poem, In A Letter To The Honourable Sr. Rob
Subject(s): England; Letters; Poetry And Poets; War


ANNUS MIRABILIS: THE YEAR OF WONDERS, 1666, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In thriving arts long time had holland grown
Last Line: And gently lay us on the spicy shore.
Subject(s): Great Britain - Dutch War (1664-1667); Monck, George. 1st Duke Of Albemarle; Navy - Dutch; Navy - Great Britain; English Navy


ANNUS MIRABILIS: TO THE METROPOLIS OF GREAT BRITAIN, THE MOST RENOWNED, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As perhaps I am the first who ever presented a work of
Last Line: The greatest of your admirers and most %humble of your servants, %john dryden


ANNUS MIRABILIS: VERSES TO HER HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS ON THE MEMORABLE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Madam, %when, for our sakes, your hero you resigned
Last Line: Edge himself to owe all things who is, %sir, %the most obedient and most %faithful of your servants,


ARABIAN WINDS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So winds that tempest brew


ARISE, YE SUBTERRANEAN WINDS, by JOHN DRYDEN            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


ARVIRAGUS AND PHILICA, REVIVED: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With sickly actors & an old house too
Last Line: You'd less good breeding or had more good nature.
Subject(s): Actors & Actresses; Plays & Playwrights ; Theater & Theaters; Actresses; Dramatists; Stage Life


ASTRAEA REDUX: A POEM ON THE HAPPY RESTORATION AND RETURN OF HIS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now with a general peace the world was blest
Last Line: The world a monarch, and that monarch you
Variant Title(s): Poem On The Happy Restoration & Return Of His Sacred Majesty Charles; Astraea Redu
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); Sforza, Ludovico (1452-1508); Winter


AUCTION, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our iron age is grown an age of gold


AURENG-ZEBE, OR THE GREAT MOGUL: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A pretty task! And so I told the fool
Last Line: Their votes who cannot judge, than theirs who can.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


AURENG-ZEBE, OR THE GREAT MOGUL: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our author by experience finds it true
Last Line: And see us play the tragedy of wit.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Shame; Theater & Theaters; Dramatists; Stage Life


BEES, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Like labouring bees on a long summer day


BIRCH, THE MYRTLE, AND THE BAY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


BOY CHANGED TO AN EFT, OR A SMALL LIZARD, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Through the wide earth, and o'er the boundless main


BRIGHT VISION, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From the bright vision's head


BRITANNIA REDIVIVA; A POEM ON BIRTH OF JAMES PRINCE OF WALES, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our vows are heard betimes! And heaven take care
Last Line: Nor hopes nor fears your steady hand beguile; your self our balance hold, the world's our isle
Subject(s): Birth; Catholics; James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460)


CALISTO, OR THE CHASTE NYMPH: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As jupiter I made my court in vain
Last Line: To bind your friends and to disarm your foes.
Variant Title(s): Spilogue Intended To Have Been Spoken By Lady Wentworth
Subject(s): Beauty; Crowne, John (1640-1703); Goddesses & Gods; Mythology; Nations; Nymphs


CASEAR BORGIA, SON OF POPE ALEXANDER THE SIXTH: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The unhappy man, who once has trail'd a pen
Last Line: The pope says grace, but 'tis the devil gives thanks.
Subject(s): Death; Nations; Poetry & Poets; Theater & Theaters; War; Dead, The; Stage Life


CATHOLIC OPENS A PACKAGE CONTAINING HENRY PURCELL RECORDS, by ROBERT MCGOVERN    Poem Source                    
First Line: John dryden knew you as a man and sailed
Last Line: But you through needle, tubes, and wires may me


CHARM, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou moon, that aidest us with thy magic might
Subject(s): Charms (magic)


CIRCE: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Were you but half so wise as you're severe
Last Line: He may grow up to write, and you to judge.
Subject(s): Circe; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Women; Dramatists


CIRCE: PROLOGUE (EARLIER VERSION), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Were you but half so wise as you're severe
Last Line: You should protect from death by vulgar hands.
Subject(s): Circe; Davenant, Dr. Charles; Opera; Plays & Playwrights ; Women; Dramatists


CLEOMENS, OR THE SPARTAN HERO: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: This day, the poet, bloodily inclined
Last Line: I'll cost you but your half-a-crown a day.
Subject(s): Love; Mankind; Poetry & Poets; Human Race


CLEOMENS, OR THE SPARTAN HERO: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I think, or hope at least, the coast is clear
Last Line: But to make wits of fools is past your pow'r.
Subject(s): Fools; Ireland; Sparta, Greece; Idiots; Irish


CLEOMENS, OR THE SPARTAN HERO: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No, no, poor suff'ring heart, no change endeavour
Last Line: Love has found out a way to live by dying.
Subject(s): Cupid; Eyes; Love; Singing & Singers; Eros; Songs


CLEOPATRA, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Her gally down the silver cydnos row'd


COME, IF YOU DARE, OUR TRUMPETS SOUND, FR. KING ARTHUR, by JOHN DRYDEN            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


DIANA, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The graceful goddess was arrayed in green
Last Line: A silver crescent on her forehead shone


DISAPPOINTMENT, OR THE MOTHER IN FASHION: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How comes it, gentlemen, that now-a-days
Last Line: They make it bawdier than a conventicle
Subject(s): Southerne, Thomas (1660-1746); Women


DON SEBASTIAN, ACT 3: TO ACCOUNT RENDERED, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My father's, mother's, brother's deaths I pardon
Last Line: And beg of heaven to charge the bill on me.
Subject(s): Brothers; Death; Forgiveness; Murder; Parents; Half-brothers; Dead, The; Clemency; Parenthood


DON SEBASTIAN: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I quaked at heart, for fear the royal fashion
Last Line: And make me thundring votes of lives and fortune.
Subject(s): Clergy; Incest; Love; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops


DON SEBASTIAN: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The judge removed, though he's no more my lord
Last Line: And let him pay his taxes out in writing.
Subject(s): Great Britain - Commonwealth & Colonies; Judges; Plays & Playwrights ; Religious Discrimination; British Empire; England - Empire; Dramatists; Religious Conflict


DULLNESS IS DECENT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Dulness, that in a play-house meets disgrace


ELEONORA; A PANEGYRICAL POEM, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As when some great and gracious monarch dies
Last Line: For thou shalt make it live, because it sings of thee.
Subject(s): Death; Life; Nations; Soul; Dead, The


ELEONORA; ELEGY ON THE COUNTESS OF ABINGDON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No single virtue we could most commend
Last Line: Clothed all in white, the livery of the day.
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You saw our wife was chaste, yet ... Tried


EPILOGUE ON OCCASION OF REPRESENTATION FOR DRYDEN'S BENEFIT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Perhaps the parson stretched a point too far
Last Line: While you have still your oats, and we our hains.
Variant Title(s): Epilogue To The 'pilgrim,' Revived
Subject(s): England; Poetry & Poets; Theater & Theaters; English; Stage Life


EPILOGUE SPOKEN AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW HOUSE, 1674, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Though what our prologue said was sadly true
Last Line: A troop of frisking monsieurs to succeed. %(you know the french sure cards at time of need)
Subject(s): Theater And Theaters; Theatre Royal, London


EPILOGUE SPOKEN TO THE KING AT THE OPENING THE PLAYHOUSE AT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As from a darkened room some optic glass
Last Line: Be gods in senates, but be mortals here


EPILOGUE TO 'TAMERLANE THE GREAT', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ladies, the beardless author of this day
Last Line: And always fails you at the second heat.
Subject(s): Hearts; Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


EPILOGUE TO 'THE PRINCESS OF CLEVES', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A qualm of conscience brings me back agen
Last Line: But damn'd confessing is flat popery.
Subject(s): Love; Women


EPILOGUE TO 'THE UNHAPPY FAVOURITE, OR THE EARL OF ESSEX', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: We act by fits and starts, like drowning men
Last Line: The satisfaction of a gentleman.
Variant Title(s): Epilogue For The King's House;prologue And Epilogue To The Unhappy Favorite: Epilogue
Subject(s): England; Plays & Playwrights ; Treason & Traitors; English; Dramatists


EPILOGUE TO KING AND QUEEN, AT THE OPENING OF THEIR THEATRE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: New ministers, when first they get in place
Last Line: But first vote money, then redress at leasure.
Subject(s): Law & Lawyers; Plays & Playwrights ; Theater & Theaters; Attorneys; Dramatists; Stage Life


EPILOGUE TO MITHRIDATES, KING OF PONTIUS, BY MR. N. LEE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You've seen a pair of faithful lovers die
Last Line: And women fight, like swizzers, for their pay.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Death; Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Dramatists


EPILOGUE TO THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA BY THE SPANIARDS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Success, which can no more than beauty last
Last Line: He had pleas'd better, had he lov'd you less.
Variant Title(s): Prologues, Epilogues And Songs From The Conquest Of Granada: 2
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Success; Theater & Theaters; Dramatists; Stage Life


EPILOGUE TO THE INDIAN QUEEN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You see what shifts we are enforced to try


EPILOGUE TO THE LOYAL BROTHER, OR THE PERSIAN PRINCE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A virgin-poet was served up today
Last Line: And they that know what merchandise we need, %send o'er true protestants to mend our breed
Subject(s): Protestantism; Religious Discrimination


EPILOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1673, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No poor dutch peasant, winged with all his fear
Last Line: We'll boldly back, and say their price is rais'd.
Variant Title(s): Epilogue Spoken At The Acting Of The 'silent Woman'
Subject(s): England; Fear; France; Oxford University; Plays & Playwrights ; War; English; Dramatists


EPILOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1674, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oft has our poet wisht [wished], this happy seat
Last Line: Judges so just, so knowing, and so kind.
Variant Title(s): Epilogue Spoken At Oxford By Mrs. Marshall
Subject(s): Muses; Oxford University; Poetry & Poets


EPISTLE TO THE WHIGS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: For to whom can I dedicate this poem, with so much
Last Line: Your party says or thinks of him
Variant Title(s): The Medal: Epistle To The Whig


EPITAPH ON A NEPHEW, IN CATWORTH CHURCH, HUNTINGDONSHIRE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Stay, stranger, stay, and drop one tear
Last Line: His father's fifth, her only son.
Subject(s): Death - Children; Epitaphs; Grief; Tears; Death - Babies; Sorrow; Sadness


EPITAPH ON THE LADY WHITMORE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fair, kind, true; a treasure each alone
Last Line: And wish your vows, like hers, may be returned, %so loved when living, and when dead so mourned


EPITAPH ON [OR INTENED FOR] HIS WIFE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Here lies my wife: here let her lie!
Last Line: Now she's at rest. And so am I.
Subject(s): Epitaphs; Marriage; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


EPOLOGUE TO CONSTANTINE THE GREAT, BY LEE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our hero's happy in the play's conclusion
Last Line: To turn for this may surely be forgiven: %who'd not be circumcised for such a heaven?
Subject(s): Constantine I (the Great) (d. 337); Politics; Religious Discrimination


FABLES ANCIENT AND MODERN: TO MY HONOURED KINSMAN, JOHN DRIDEN, OF, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How blest is he who leads a country life
Last Line: Earth keeps the body, verse preserves the fame
Variant Title(s): To My Honoured Kinsman John Dryden, Of Chesterton; To My Honoured Kinsman, John Dride
Subject(s): Country Life; Garth, Sir Samuel (1661-1719); Poetry And Poets; Politics


FORTUNE (A FRAGMENT), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fortune, that, with malicious joy
Last Line: And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm.


FRAGMENT OF A CHARACTER OF JACOB TONSON (HIS PUBLISHER), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: With leering looks, bull-fac'd, and freckl'd fair
Last Line: And frowzy pores that taint the ambient air.
Subject(s): Faces; Judas Iscariot (d. 30 A.d.)


FREEDOM OF THE SAVAGE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: No man has more contempt than I of


GRIEF, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh! Nothing now can please me


HENRY II, WITH THE DEATH OF ROSAMOND: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus you the sad catastrophe have seen
Last Line: But I was drenched today for loving well, %and fear the prison that would make me swell
Subject(s): Clifford, Rosamund (d.1176); Henry Ii, King Of England (1133-1189)


HEROIC STANZAS, CONSECRATED TO MEMORY OF OLIVER [CROMWELL], by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: And now 'tis time; for their officious haste
Last Line: Where piety and valour jointly go.
Variant Title(s): Heroic Stanzas Consecrated To The Glorious Memory Of His Most Serene
Subject(s): Cromwell, Oliver (1599-1658); Death; England; Freedom; Politics & Government; Praise; Dead, The; English; Liberty


HUMAN LIFE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When I consider life, 'tis all a cheat
Last Line: What the first sprightly running could not give
Variant Title(s): Life [a Cheat
Subject(s): Life


I AM A MONARCH, THE KING OF TREES, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
Subject(s): Holidays; Trees


IMPROMPTU LINES ADDRESSED TO HIS COUSIN, MRS. CREED, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So much religion in your name doth dwell
Last Line: And practice is with endless glory crown'd.
Subject(s): Names; Religion; Soul; Theology


KING ARTHUR, OR THE BRITISH WORTHY: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I've had today a dozen billet-doux
Last Line: Shall be my favourite gallant to-day.
Subject(s): Dreams; Faith; Marriage; Opera; Nightmares; Belief; Creed; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


KING ARTHUR, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


KING ARTHUR: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sure there's a dearth of wit in this dull town
Last Line: While thus, no spark of honour left within ye, %when you should draw the sword, you draw the guinea
Subject(s): Opera; Theater And Theaters


KING ARTHUR: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses
Last Line: Chorus: let not youth, ...
Subject(s): Happiness; Musical Instruments; Joy; Delight


KING ARTHUR: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh sight, the mother of desires
Last Line: And if we may discover, &c.
Subject(s): Happiness; Musical Instruments; Joy; Delight


KING ARTHUR: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How happy the lover
Last Line: The pleasures of love.
Subject(s): Happiness; Musical Instruments; Joy; Delight


KING ARTHUR: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Your hay it is mow'd, and your corn is reap'd
Last Line: Chorus: let not youth, ...
Subject(s): Happiness; Musical Instruments; Joy; Delight


KING ARTHUR: SONG OF AEOLUS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye blust'ring brethren of the skies
Last Line: There swell your lungs, and vainly, vainly threat.
Variant Title(s): To Britannia
Subject(s): Earth; Fear; Singing & Singers; Spring; World; Songs


KING ARTHUR: SONG OF PAN AND NEREIDE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Round they coasts, fair nymph of britain
Last Line: And takes for kings the tyrian dye.
Subject(s): Mythology; Mythology - Classical; Nymphs; Pan (mythology); Singing & Singers; Songs


KING ARTHUR: SONG OF VENUS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fairest isle, all isles excelling
Last Line: Those shall be renown'd for love.
Variant Title(s): Song Of Venus [in Honour Of Britannia]
Subject(s): Cupid; Love; Mythology - Classical; Singing & Singers; Venus (goddess); Eros; Songs


LADY'S ANSWER, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis not those paultry counterfeit


LADY'S SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A choir of bright beauties in spring did appear
Last Line: When pan, and his son, and fair syrinx, return
Variant Title(s): The May Queen; Phillis Unwilling; The Beautiful Lady Of The Ma
Subject(s): Country Life; Exiles; James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460)


LIMIT OF FATE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On what strange grounds we build our hopes


LINES IN A LETTER TO HIS LADY COUSIN, HONOR DRIDEN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: For since 'twas mine, the white hath lost its hiew
Last Line: Whom you so farre shall bless to make your seale.
Subject(s): Latin Literature; Letters; Virginity; Roman Literature; Vestals


LINES PRINTED UNDER THE ENGRAVED PORTRAIT OF MILTON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Three poets, in three distant ages born
Last Line: To make a third she join'd the former two.
Subject(s): Milton, John (1608-1674); Nature; Poetry & Poets


LOVE TRIUMPHANT, OR NATURE WILL PREVAIL: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now, in good manners, nothing shou'd be said
Last Line: But, faith, I wou'd not trust her with a mouse.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


LOVE TRIUMPHANT, OR NATURE WILL PREVAIL: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As, when some treasurer lays down the stick
Last Line: To each, an omen of triumphant love.
Subject(s): Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


LOVE TRIUMPHANT: SONG FOR A GIRL, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Young I am, and yet unskill'd
Last Line: I shou'd long to be fifteen.
Subject(s): Love; Singing & Singers; Youth; Songs


LOVE TRIUMPHANT: SONG OF JEALOUSIE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What state of life can be so blest
Last Line: Thou tyrant of the mind!
Variant Title(s): Jealousy, The Tyrant Of The Mind
Subject(s): Death; Jealousy; Life; Love; Singing & Singers; Tyranny & Tyrants; Dead, The; Songs; Dictators


MACFLECKNOE; OR, A SATIRE UPON THE TRUE-BLUE-PROTESTANT POET, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: All human things are subject to decay
Last Line: With double portion of his father's art.
Variant Title(s): The Laureate Of Dulness (shadwell);on Shadwell;the Primacy Of Dullness;shadwell;he Crowns Shadwell As Supreme Of Dullards;macflecknoe
Subject(s): Flecknoe, Richard (1600-1678); Shadwell, Thomas (1642-1692)


MAIDEN QUEEN: EPILOGUE, WHEN ACTED BY THE WOMEN ONLY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What think you, sirs, was't not all well enough?
Last Line: Each would be rather a poor actress here %than to be made a mamamouchi there
Subject(s): Actors And Actresses; Women


MAIDEN QUEEN: PROLOGUE, WHEN ACTED BY THE WOMEN ONLY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Women like us passing for me, you'll cry
Last Line: And when your eyes and ears are feasted here, %rise up, and make out the short meal elsewhere
Subject(s): Actors And Actresses; Women


MARRIAGE A LA MODE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Why should a foolish marriage vow
Last Line: Twas pleasure first made in an oath.
Subject(s): Love - Loss Of; Love - Marital; Marriage; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


MARRIAGE A-LA-MODE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If I have pleasures for a friend
Last Line: When neither can hinder the other.
Subject(s): Jealousy; Love; Pain; Singing & Singers; Suffering; Misery; Songs


MARRIAGE A-LA-MODE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whilst alexis lay prest
Last Line: The nymph dy'd more quick, and the shepherd more slow.
Subject(s): Jealousy; Love; Pain; Singing & Singers; Suffering; Misery; Songs


MARRIAGE-A-LA-MODE: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus have my spouse and I informed the nation
Last Line: I humbly cast myself upon the city.
Subject(s): Marriage; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Theater & Theaters; Women; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Dramatists; Stage Life


MARRIAGE-A-LA-MODE: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Lord, how reformed and quiet we are grown
Last Line: T' oblige the town, the city, and the court.
Subject(s): Marriage; Plays & Playwrights ; War; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Dramatists


MIDNIGHT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All things are hushed, as nature's self lay dead


MOMUS' SONG TO MARS (FRM THE SECULAR MASQUE), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thy sword within the scabbard keep
Last Line: For things are as they were


NAT LEE'S IMAGES, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis real love %where nature triumphs over wretched art
Subject(s): Lee, Nathaniel (1649-1692)


NEREIDS RISE OUT OF THE SEA AND SING, TRITONS DANCE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: From the low palace of old father ocean


O SOULS, IN WHOM NO HEAVENLY FIRE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


OAK OF STATE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Weak princes flatter when they want the power


ODE ON ST. CELIA'S DAY, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


ODE TO ... MRS. ANNE KILLIGREW, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN            Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


OEDIPUS: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What sophocles could undertake alone
Last Line: To please you more, but burning of a pope.
Subject(s): Greece; Oedipus; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Sophocles (496-406 B.c.); Greeks; Dramatists


OEDIPUS: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When athens all the grecian state did guide
Last Line: The first play bury'd since the wollen act.
Subject(s): Greece; Oedipus; Plays & Playwrights ; Greeks; Dramatists


OEDIPUS: SONG TO APOLLO, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Phoebus, god belov'd by men
Last Line: Tho' he burst with the weight of the terrible god.
Subject(s): Apollo; Goddesses & Gods; Morning; Mythology; Mythology - Classical; Prophecy & Prophets; Singing & Singers; Songs


OG AND DOES (THE WRITERS SHADWELL AND SETTLE), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To make quick way I'll leap o'er heavy blocks
Subject(s): Settle, Elkanah (1648-1724); Shadwell, Thomas (1642-1692)


OLD AGE OF THE TEMPERATE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Some few, by temperance taught


ON MRS. MARGARET PASTON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So fair, so young, so innocent, so sweet
Last Line: Now she is gone, the world is of a piece.
Variant Title(s): Epitaph On Mrs. Margaret Paston, Of Barningham, In Norfolk
Subject(s): Beauty; Death; Youth; Dead, The


ON SIR PALMES FAIRBORNE'S TOMB, IN WESTERMINSTER ABBEY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye sacred relics, which your marble keep
Last Line: His pious widow consecrates this tomb.
Subject(s): Death; Epitaphs; Fairborne, Sir Palmes (1634-1680); Graves; Westminster Abbey; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones


ON THE DEATH OF A VERY YOUNG GENTLEMAN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He who could view the book of destiny
Last Line: Imagine all in one, and think that one is he.
Subject(s): Death; Life; Love; Soul; Youth; Dead, The


ON THE DEATH OF AMYNTAS; A PASTORAL ELEGY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Twas on a joyless and a gloomy morn
Last Line: For like amyntas none is left below.
Subject(s): Death; Life; Mourning; Dead, The; Bereavement


ON THE DEATH OF LORD HASTINGS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Was there no milder way but the smallpox
Subject(s): Poetry And Poets


ON THE DEATH OF MR. PURCELL, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Mark how the lark and linnet sing
Last Line: Nor know to mend their choice.
Variant Title(s): An Ode On The Death Of Mr Henry Purcell;an Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell, Late Servant To His Majesty
Subject(s): Death; Music & Musicians; Purcell, Henry (1659-1695); Teaching & Teachers; Dead, The; Educators; Professors


ON THE MONUMENT OF A FAIR MAIDEN LADY, WHO DIED AT BATH, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Below this marble monument is laid
Last Line: In sickness patient; and in death resign'd.
Variant Title(s): On The Monument Of Miss Mary Frampton
Subject(s): Death; Frampton, Mary (1676-1698); Monuments; Soul; Dead, The


ON THE MONUMENT OF THE MARQUIS OF WINCHESTER, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He who in impious times untainted stood
Last Line: To earth were meant for ornaments to heav'n.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Death; Monuments; Paulet, John. 5th Marquis Of Winchester; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dead, The; Pawlett, John; Poulett, John; Powlett, John


ON THE YOUNG STATESMAN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Clarendon had law and sense


ONE LONG NUPTIAL DAY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All my ambition will in you be crown'd


PARADISE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The soil luxuriant, and the fruit divine


PLANT THAT WILL NOT GROW, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: All southern vices, heav'n be prais'd, are here


POET SHADWELL'S CORONATION, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now empress fame had publisht the renown
Subject(s): Shadwell, Thomas (1642-1692)


POLITICAL PROLOGUE: TO 'THE UNHAPPY FAVORITE,' BY JOHN BANKS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When first the ark was landed on the shore
Last Line: Still to havesuch a king, and this king long.
Variant Title(s): Prologue And Epilogue To The Unhappy Favorite: Prologue Spoken To The
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); England; Mankind; Peace; English; Human Race


POLITICAL PROLOGUE: TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In those cold regions which no summers cheer
Last Line: And makes us happy by our own free-will.
Variant Title(s): Prologues To The Duke And Duchess Of York: Prologue To His Royal
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); God; Theater & Theaters; Stage Life


POLITICAL PROLOGUE: TO THE DUCHESS OF YORK, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When factious rage to cruel exile drove
Last Line: Discord that only this dispute shall bring, %who best shall love the duke and serve the king
Variant Title(s): Prologues To The Duke And Duchess Of York: Prologue To The Duches
Subject(s): Este, Mary Beatrice D' (1475-1497); James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460)


PROLOGUE FOR THE WOMEN, WHEN THEY ACTED AT THE OLD THEATRE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Were none of you, gallants, e'er driven so hard
Last Line: The gaudy house with scenes will serve for cits.
Subject(s): Actors & Actresses; Plays & Playwrights ; Theater & Theaters; Women; Actresses; Dramatists; Stage Life


PROLOGUE ON OCCASION OF REPRESENTATION FOR DRYDEN'S BENEFIT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: How wretched is the fate of those who write!
Last Line: Traduced two kings, their kindness do requite; %one made thedoctor, and one dubbed the knight
Variant Title(s): Prologue To The 'pilgrim,' Revive
Subject(s): Blackmore, Sir Richard (1654-1729); Physicians


PROLOGUE SPOKEN AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW HOUSE, 1674, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A plain-built house, after so long a stay
Last Line: Machines and tempests will destroy the new.
Subject(s): Fame; Honor; Plays & Playwrights ; Theater & Theaters; Theatre Royal, London; Reputation; Dramatists; Stage Life


PROLOGUE SPOKEN THE FIRST DAY OF THE KING'S HOUSE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So shipwreck'd passengers escape to land
Last Line: Your presence here, for which we humbly sue, %will grace old theatres, and build up new
Subject(s): Fire; Theater And Theaters


PROLOGUE TO 'ALBUMAZAR', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To say this comedy pleased long ago
Last Line: For should you letters of reprisal seal, %these men write that which mean no man else would steal
Subject(s): Jonson, Ben (1572-1637); Poetry And Poets


PROLOGUE TO 'MISTAKES, OR THE FALSE REPORT', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Save ye, sirs, save ye! I am in a hopeful way
Last Line: Peace and the butt is all our business here; %so much for that - and the devil take small beer
Subject(s): Actors And Actresses; Dramatists; Plays And Playwrights; Poetry And Poets; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)


PROLOGUE TO 'THE PRINCESS OF CLEVES', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ladies! (I hope there's none behind to hear)
Last Line: To trump their diamonds, & they trump our hearts.
Subject(s): Kisses; Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Secrets; Dramatists


PROLOGUE TO KING AND QUEEN, AT THE OPENING OF THEIR THEATRE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Since faction ebbs, and rogues grow out of fashion
Last Line: Whigg poets and whigg sheriffs may hang together.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Theater & Theaters; Dramatists; Stage Life


PROLOGUE TO LOVE TRIUMPHANT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So now, this poet, who forsakes the stage


PROLOGUE TO MISTAKES, OR THE FALSE REPORT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Gentlemen, we must beg your pardon
Last Line: So much for that; -- and the devil take small beer.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


PROLOGUE TO NAHUM TATE'S 'THE LOYAL GENERAL', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: If yet there be a few that take delight
Last Line: And act your selves the farce of your own age.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Tragedy; Dramatists


PROLOGUE TO THE INDIAN QUEEN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Wake, wake, quevira! Our soft rest must cease


PROLOGUE TO THE LOYAL BROTHER, OR THE PERSIAN PRINCE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Poets, like lawful monarchs, ruled the stage
Last Line: Of presbyterians who would kings maintain, %of forty thousand five would scarce remain
Subject(s): Catholics; Elizabeth I, Queen Of England (1533-1603; Southerne, Thomas (1660-1746)


PROLOGUE TO THE PROPHETESS, BY BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What nostradame, with all his art, can guess
Last Line: Under a female regency may rise.
Subject(s): Fortune; Nostradamus, Michel De (1503-1566); Politics & Government; Prophecy & Prophets; Wealth; Riches; Fortunes


PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1673, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What greece, when learning flourished, only knew
Last Line: But 'tis your suffrage makes authentique wit.
Subject(s): Greece; Oxford University; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Writing & Writers; Greeks; Dramatists


PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1674, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Poets, your subjects, have their parts assigned
Last Line: As what should be beyond what is, extends.
Subject(s): Oxford University; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Theater & Theaters; Dramatists; Stage Life


PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1680, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thespis, the first professor of our art
Last Line: But who disturb'd both bishop and a crown.
Variant Title(s): Prologue To Sophonisba;the Prologue At Oxford, 1680
Subject(s): Art & Artists; Oxford University; Poetry & Poets


PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1681 (1), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The famed italian muse, whose rhymes advance
Last Line: Is forced to turn his satire into praise.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Muses; Oxford University; Praise; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens


PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1681 (2), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Discord and plots, which have undone our age
Last Line: Oxford's a place where wit can never sterve.
Subject(s): England; Oxford University; Plays & Playwrights ; English; Dramatists


PROLOGUE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD, 1681 (3), by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Though actors cannot much of learning boast
Last Line: Thebes did his green unknowing youth engage, %he chooses athens in his riper age
Subject(s): Actors And Actresses; Oxford University


RELIGIO LAICI; OR, A LAYMAN'S FAITH, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Dim as the borrowed beams of moon and stars
Last Line: Tom sternhold's, or tom sha--ll's rhymes will serve.
Variant Title(s): Finite Reason;reason And Revelation;reason And The Soul;religio Laici, Or, A Layman's Faith: A Poem
Subject(s): Anglican Church; Faith; Protestantism; Religion; Translating & Interpreting; Belief; Creed; Theology


RIVAL LADIES, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My soul lies hid is shades of grief


ROUNDELAY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Chloe found amyntas lying
Last Line: Kiss'd him up, and eas'd his pain.
Variant Title(s): Rondelay
Subject(s): Kisses; Love; Tears


RUDE MILITIA, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The country rings around with loud alarms


SECRET LOVE, OR THE MAIDEN QUEEN: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He who writ this, not without pains and thought
Last Line: Are bankrupt gamesters, for they damn on tick.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Dramatists


SIMILE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Till, like a clock worn out with beating time


SIPPETS OF GRUEL, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They talk of feavours that infect the brains


SIR MARTIN MAR-ALL, OR THE FEIGNED INNOCENCE: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As country vicars, when the sermon's done
Last Line: As he tells all things when the year is past.
Subject(s): Fortune; Plays & Playwrights ; Sermons; Dramatists


SIR MARTIN MARR-ALL, OR THE FEIGNED INNOCENCE: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Fools, which each man meets in his dish
Last Line: None welcome those who bring their chear along.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


SIR MARTIN MARR-ALL: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Make ready fair lady to night
Last Line: And leave my old daddy asleep.
Subject(s): Love; Night; Singing & Singers; Stars; Bedtime; Songs


SIR MARTIN MARR-ALL: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blind love, to this hour
Last Line: And more blest her eyes that first taught me desire.
Subject(s): Love; Night; Singing & Singers; Stars; Bedtime; Songs


SIXTH SATYR OF JUVENAL: 254, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: What care our drunken dames to whom they spread?
Last Line: For then, and only then, the sex sincere is found


SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sylvia the fair, in the bloom of fifteen
Last Line: And sighing and kissing so close.
Subject(s): Kisses; Prayer; Sex; Virginity; Wishes; Vestals


SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Farewell, fair armida, my joy and my grief!
Last Line: The wound on my breast when you happen to see, %you'll say with a sigh - it was given by me


SONG A SCHOLAR AND HIS MISTRESS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Look, look! I see - I see my love appear!
Last Line: [they run out together hand in hand.
Subject(s): Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Sailing & Sailors; Storms; Dramatists; Seamen; Sails


SONG OF SECRET LOVE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Shall I sing the song you made of philocles


SONG, IN ANSWER TO THE PRECEDING, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Blame not your armida, nor call her your grief
Last Line: I sigh that your fate I could not reverse, %and all my kind wishes I show on your hearse


SPANISH GALLEONS SEEN BY AN AZTEC, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: At last, as far as I could cast my eyes
Subject(s): Sea


SPANISH SHIPS REACH MEXICO, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I sent thee to the frontiers, quickly tell


STAGE POETS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: They bring old ir'n and glass upon the stage


STATE OF INNOCENCE: DEATH THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FALL, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O wretched offspring! O unhappy state
Last Line: And steal myself from life, and melt away


STATE OF INNOCENCE: PREDESTINATION AND FREE WILL, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Grant heaven could once have given us liberty
Last Line: Causes which work the effect, force not the will
Subject(s): Free Will And Determinism


SWALLOW, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The swallow, privilege above the rest
Subject(s): Birds


SYREN'S SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: O pass not on, but stay


THE ASSIGNATION, OR LOVE IN A NUNNERY: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Some have expected, from our bills to-day
Last Line: And, sure, behind our scenes you'll look for none.
Subject(s): Nuns; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


THE ASSIGNATION, OR LOVE IN A NUNNERY: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Prologues, like bells to churches, toll you in
Last Line: Twas imitating you taught haynes to play.
Subject(s): Bells; Churches; Clergy; Poetry & Poets; Cathedrals; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops


THE ASSIGNATION: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Long betwixt love and fear phillis tormented
Last Line: That I'm forsaken.
Subject(s): Fear; Fire; Hearts; Love; Night; Singing & Singers; Bedtime; Songs


THE DUKE OF GUISE: EPILOGUE: 1, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Much time and trouble this poor play has cost
Last Line: With tory wings, but whiggish teeth and claws.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Politics & Government; Dramatists


THE DUKE OF GUISE: EPILOGUE: 2, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Two houses joined, two poets to a play?
Last Line: But grunts, and groans, and ends at last in fumbling.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Politics & Government; Dramatists


THE DUKE OF GUISE: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Our play's a parallel; the holy league
Last Line: Pull down the master, and set up the man.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; England; Nations; Plays & Playwrights ; Politics & Government; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; English; Dramatists


THE DUKE OF GUISE: SONG BETWIXT A SHEPHERD AND A SHEPHERDESS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Shepherdess: tell me thirsis, tell your anguish
Last Line: Still the more 'tis melted down.
Subject(s): Love; Nymphs; Shepherds & Shepherdesses; Singing & Singers; Songs


THE FAIR STRANGER; A SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Happy and free, securely blest
Last Line: Yet kill us if you go away.
Subject(s): Beauty; Smiles; Soul; Strangers


THE HIND AND THE PANTHER: PART 1, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: A milk-white hind, immortal and unchang'd
Last Line: The lady of the spotted muff began.
Variant Title(s): The Hind And The Panther: A Poem In Three Parts: 1
Subject(s): Anglican Church; Catholics; Religious Discrimination; Roman Catholics; Catholicism; Religious Conflict


THE HIND AND THE PANTHER: PART 2, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Dame, said the panther, times are mended well
Last Line: Then couch'd her self securely by her side.
Variant Title(s): The Hind And The Panther: A Poem In Three Parts: 2
Subject(s): Anglican Church; Catholics; James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460); Religious Discrimination; Roman Catholics; Catholicism; Religious Conflict


THE HIND AND THE PANTHER: PART 3, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Much malice mingled with a little wit
Last Line: With glorious visions of her future state.
Variant Title(s): The Hind And The Panther: A Poem In Three Parts: 3
Subject(s): Anglican Church; Catholics; Converts, Catholic; James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460); Religious Discrimination; Stillingfleet, Edward (1635-1699); Roman Catholics; Catholicism; Religious Conflict


THE HUSBAND HIS OWN CUCKOLD: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Like some raw sophister that mounts the pulpit
Last Line: One fool, for million that he left behind.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


THE INDIAN EMPEROR: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: To all and singular in this full meeting
Last Line: Wit live by beauty, beauty reign by wit.
Subject(s): Apollo; Beauty; Love; Mythology - Classical


THE INDIAN EMPEROR: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Almighty critics! Whom our indians here
Last Line: And leave the rest upon the poet's hands.
Subject(s): Judges; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


THE INDIAN EMPEROR: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah fading joy, how quickly art thou past!
Last Line: To gentle slumbers call.
Subject(s): Books; Fate; Peace; Singing & Singers; Reading; Destiny; Songs


THE INDIAN EMPEROR: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah fading joy, how quickly art thou past!
Last Line: To gentle slumbers call.
Subject(s): Books; Fate; Peace; Singing & Singers; Reading; Destiny; Songs


THE INDIAN QUEEN: HYMN TO THE SUN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: You to whom victory we owe
Last Line: And by their loss of pow'r declare your own.
Subject(s): Altars; Blood; Sacrifices; Sun


THE INDIAN QUEEN: SONG OF AERIAL SPIRITS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Poor mortals that are clog'd with earth below
Last Line: They slide to us and air.
Subject(s): Bodies; Earth; Goddesses & Gods; Love; Mythology; Singing & Singers; Spiritual Life; World; Songs


THE KIND KEEPER, OR LIMBERHAM: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I beg a boon, that, ere you all disband
Last Line: A smithfield horse, and wife of coveni-garden.


THE KIND KEEPER, OR LIMBERHAM: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: True wit has seen its best days long ago
Last Line: That not one locust may be left behind!
Subject(s): Actors & Actresses; Critics & Criticism; Plays & Playwrights ; Actresses; Dramatists


THE KIND KEEPER, OR LIMBERHAM: SONG FROM THE ITALIAN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: By a dismal cypress lying
Last Line: But cruel she I lov'd in vain.
Subject(s): Death; Love; Nymphs; Singing & Singers; Dead, The; Songs


THE LOVER'S MESSAGE; SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Go, tell amynta, gentle swain
Last Line: Attends but death to close his eyes.
Subject(s): Death; Love; Soul; Voices; Dead, The


THE MAIDEN QUEEN: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: I feed a flame within which so torments me
Last Line: Nor can I fall more low, mounting no higher.
Variant Title(s): Hidden Flame;song From Secret Love
Subject(s): Desire; Love


THE MAN OF MODE, OR SIR FOPLING FLUTTER: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Most modern wits such monstrous fools have shown
Last Line: For no one fool is hunted from the herd.
Subject(s): Etherege, Sir George (1635-1692); Fools; Idiots


THE MEDAL; A SATIRE AGAINST SEDITION, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Of all our antic sights and pageantry
Last Line: Et dici potuisse, et non potuisse refelli.
Variant Title(s): The Medal: A Satire Against Sedition
Subject(s): Cooper, Anthony (1621-1683); Shaftesbury, 1st Earl Of


THE PORTRAIT OF MILTON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Three poets, in three distant ages born
Last Line: To make a third, she joined the former two.
Variant Title(s): Epigram On Milton;lines Written [printed] Under The Portrait;on Milton;under Milton's Picture;under The Portrait Of John Milton;lines Printed Under The Engraved Portrait Of Milton;lines On Milton
Subject(s): Milton, John (1608-1674)


THE RIVAL LADIES: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis much desired, you judges of the town
Last Line: All that want wit, or hope to find it here.
Subject(s): Judges; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


THE SECULAR MASQUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: An hundred times the rowling sun
Last Line: Dance of huntsmen, nymphs, warriours, and lovers.
Subject(s): Earth; Goddesses & Gods; Mankind; Mythology; Mythology - Classical; Plays & Playwrights ; War; World; Human Race; Dramatists


THE SPANISH FRIAR, OR THE DOUBLE DISCOVERY: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Now, luck for us, and a kind hearty pit
Last Line: By way of thanks, we'll send 'em o'er our plot.
Subject(s): Catholics; Plays & Playwrights ; Sailing & Sailors; Spain; Roman Catholics; Catholicism; Dramatists; Seamen; Sails


THE SPANISH FRIAR: 1-3. LOVE'S DESPAIR, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Farewell ungratefull traitor
Last Line: When living is a pain.
Subject(s): Friars; Love; Love - Nature Of


THE TEARS OF AMYNTA FOR THE DEATH OF DAMON; A SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: On a bank, beside a willow
Last Line: Love and damon are no more.
Subject(s): Death; Kisses; Love - Loss Of; Singing & Singers; Tears; Dead, The; Songs


THE TEMPEST: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Gallants, by all good signs it does appear
Last Line: And you'll be troubled with 'em all agen.
Subject(s): Actors & Actresses; Ghosts; Poetry & Poets; Supernatural; Actresses


THE TEMPEST: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As, when a tree's cut down, the secret root
Last Line: To find her woman, it must be abed.
Variant Title(s): The Tempest: Prologue, Or The Enchanted Island
Subject(s): Dramatists; Fletcher, John (1579-1625); Jonson, Ben (1572-1637); Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Dramatists


THE TRUE WIDOW: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Heav'n save ye gallants, and this hopeful age
Last Line: Who needs will father what the parish got.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Shadwell, Thomas (1642-1692); Theater & Theaters; Widows & Widowers; Dramatists; Stage Life


THE WILD GALLANT, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Is it not strange to hear a poet say
Last Line: Now spare him, drown him when he comes again.
Subject(s): England; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; English; Dramatists


THE WILD GALLANT, REVIVED: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Of all dramatic writing, comic wit
Last Line: In hope it may their staple trade advance.
Subject(s): Comedy; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Writing & Writers; Dramatists


THE WILD GALLANT, REVIVED: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As some raw squire, by tender mother bred
Last Line: For ought I know, he may turn taile for ever.
Subject(s): Life; Love; Sin


THRENODIA AUGUSTALIS: A FUNERAL PINDARIC ODE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus long my grief has kept me dumb
Last Line: The fasces of the main.
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); Death; Physicians; Dead, The; Doctors


TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY; A PANEGYRIC ON HIS CORNONATION, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: In that wild deluge where the world was drowned
Last Line: With their own peace their childrens happinesse.
Variant Title(s): To His Sacred Majesty Charles The Second;to His Sacred Majesty, A Panegyric On His Coronation
Subject(s): Charles Ii, King Of England (1630-1685); Courts & Courtiers; England; Praise; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; English


TO JOHN DRYDEN, ESQ.; POET LAUREATE AND HISTOGRAPHER ROYAL, by PHILIP AYRES    Poem Text     Poem Explanation                 Poet's Biography
First Line: My muse, when heated with poetic flame
Last Line: Each line does beauty, grace, and wit display.
Subject(s): Dryden, John (1631-1700)


TO JOHN HODDESDON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou hast inspired me with thy soul, and I
Last Line: Will onely serve to be a foil to his.
Subject(s): Creative Ability; Poetry & Poets; Soul; Inspiration; Creativity


TO MR. CONGREVE , ON 'THE OLD BACHELOR', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: When virtue in pursuit of fame appears
Last Line: But my best praise is, that I am your friend.
Subject(s): Congreve, William (1670-1729); Friendship


TO MR. GRANVILLE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Auspicious poet, wert thou not my friend
Last Line: Thou copiest homer, and they copy thee.
Variant Title(s): To Mr. Granville, Afterwards Lord Lansdowne
Subject(s): Granville, George. Lord Lansdowne; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Tragedy; Youth; Dramatists


TO MR. LEE, ON HIS ALEXANDER, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The blast of common censure could I fear
Last Line: To draw true beauty shows a master's hand. %john dryden
Variant Title(s): To Mr. Lee, On His Tragedy Of Alexander The Grea
Subject(s): Lee, Nathaniel (1649-1692); Plays And Playwrights


TO MR. MOTTEUX, ON HIS TRAGEDY CALLED BEAUTY IN DISTRESS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis hard, my friend,to write in such an age
Last Line: So great a poet and so good a friend.
Variant Title(s): To Peter Antony Motteux
Subject(s): Friendship; Motteux, Peter Anthony (1660-1718); Plays & Playwrights ; Tragedy; Writing & Writers; Dramatists


TO MR. SOUTHERN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Sure there's a fate in plays, and 'tis in vain
Last Line: And the next age will learn to copy thine.
Subject(s): Comedy; Plays & Playwrights ; Southerne, Thomas (1660-1746); Writing & Writers; Dramatists; Southern, Thomas


TO MY DEAR FRIEND, MR. CONGREVE, ON HIS COMEDY, 'THE DOUBLE-DEALER', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Well then, the promised hour is come at last
Last Line: You merit more; nor cou'd my love do less.
Variant Title(s): To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Called The Double-dealer
Subject(s): Comedy; Congreve, William (1670-1729); Friendship; Love; Plays & Playwrights ; Dramatists


TO MY FRIEND MR. NORTHLEIGH, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: So joseph, yet a youth, expounded well
Last Line: Thou studiest that, and that may study thee
Subject(s): Courts And Courtiers; Law And Lawyers; Northleigh, John


TO MY HONORED FRIEND SIR ROBERT HOWARD, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As there is music uninform'd by art
Last Line: "it shares at once his fortune and its own."
Subject(s): Friendship; Howard, Sir Robert (1626-1698); Poetry & Poets; Praise


TO MY HONOURED FRIEND DR. CHARLETON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: The longest tyranny that ever swayed
Last Line: But, he restor'd, 't is now become a throne.
Variant Title(s): To My Honoured Friend, Dr. Charleton, On His Learned And Useful Works
Subject(s): Archeology; Boyle, Robert (1627-1691); Harvey, William (1578-1657); Science; Stonehenge; Scientists


TO MY INGENIOUS FRIEND, HENRY HIGDEN, ESQ., by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: The grecian wits, who satyr first began
Last Line: Clyents wou'd fail and lawyers be undone. %john dryden
Variant Title(s): To Henry Higden, On His Translation Of ... Juvena
Subject(s): Juvenal (decimus Junius Juvenalis); Translating And Interpreting


TO SIR GODFREY KNELLER, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Once I beheld the fairest of her kind
Last Line: And give more beauties, than he takes away.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Kneller, Sir Godfrey (1649-1723); Nature; Paintings & Painters; Speech Disorders; Voices; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Kniller, Gottfried; Stuttering; Muteness


TO THE DUCHESS OF ORMOND, WITH THE POEM 'PALAMON AND ARCITE', by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Madam, / the bard who first adorned our native tongue
Last Line: And wear the garter of his mother's race.
Variant Title(s): Fables Ancient And Modern: To Her Grace The Duchess Of Ormonde
Subject(s): Beauty; Chaucer, Geoffrey (1342-1400); Fables; Somerset, Mary. Duchess Of Ormond; Thebes, Greece; Allegories


TO THE EARL OF ROSCOMMON, ON HIS EXCELLENT ESSAY, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Whether the fruitful nile, or tyrian shore
Last Line: And without stopping they may pass the gate. %john dryden
Variant Title(s): To The Earl Of Roscommon, On His Excellent Essay On Translated Vers
Subject(s): Dillon, Wentworth. 4th Earl Of Roscommon; Poetry And Poets; Translating And Interpreting


TO THE LADY CASTLEMAIN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As seamen, shipwrecked on some happy shore
Last Line: New life to my condemn'd and dying muse.
Variant Title(s): To The Lady Castlemain - Afterwards Duchess Of Cleveland
Subject(s): Beauty; Muses; Poetry & Poets; Sailing & Sailors; Villiers, Barbara. Duchess Of Cleveland; Women; Seamen; Sails


TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR EDWARD HYDE, EARL OF CLARENDON, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: While flattering crowds officiously appear
Last Line: Because the centre of it is above.
Subject(s): Holidays; Hyde, Edward. 1st Earl Of Clarendon; Nations; Nature; New Year; Politics & Government; War


TO THE MEMORY OF MR. OLDHAM, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Farewell, too little and too lately known
Last Line: But fate and gloomy night encompass thee around.
Variant Title(s): Elegy On The Death Of Mr. Oldham
Subject(s): Death; Mourning; Oldham, John (1653-1683); Dead, The; Bereavement


TO THE METROPOLIS OF GREAT BRITAIN, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: As perhaps I am the first who ever presented a work of this nature to the
Last Line: Men, so is by none more passionately desired than by %the greatest of your admirers, %and most humbl
Subject(s): Cities; Great Britain; Nations; Praise; War


TO THE PIOUS MEMORY OF THE YOUNG LADY MRS. ANNE KILLIGREW, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis         Recitation     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thou youngest virgin-daughter of the skies
Last Line: The way which thou so well hast learn'd below.
Variant Title(s): Ode To The Pious Memory Of Mrs. Anne Killigrew;to The Pious Memory Of The Accomplished Young Lady Mrs Anne Killigrew
Subject(s): Killigrew, Anne (1660-1685); Paintings & Painters; Poetry & Poets


TROILUS AND CRESSIDA, SELS., by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: My hand obeys me not
Subject(s): Sleep


TROILUS AND CRESSIDA: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: These cruel critics put me into passion
Last Line: By suffering for the plot, without confessing.
Subject(s): Critics & Criticism; Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Dramatists


TROILUS AND CRESSIDA: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: See, my beloved britons, see your shakespeare
Last Line: Your great forefathers shall their fame regain, %and homer's angry ghost repine in vain
Subject(s): Dramatists; Plays And Playwrights; Poetry And Poets; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)


TROILUS AND CRESSIDA: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Can life be a blessing
Last Line: When we hope, when we hope to be happy again.
Subject(s): Life; Love; Night; Singing & Singers; Bedtime; Songs


TYRANNICK [TYRANNIC] LOVE: EPILOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Hold! Are you mad? You damned, confounded dog!
Last Line: Yet dy'd a princess, acting in s.Cathar'n.
Subject(s): Ghosts; Gwynn, Eleanor (nell) (1650-1687); Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Supernatural; Gwyn, Eleanor (nell); Gwynne, Eleanor (nell); Dramatists


TYRANNICK [TYRANNIC] LOVE: PROLOGUE, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Self-love, which, never rightly understood
Last Line: Find but those faults, which they want wit to make.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights ; Poetry & Poets; Self-righteousness; Dramatists


TYRANNICK [TYRANNIC] LOVE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah how sweet it is to love
Last Line: Tis but rain, and runs not clear.
Subject(s): Dreams; Love; Sleep; Virginity; Nightmares; Vestals


TYRANNICK [TYRANNIC] LOVE: SONG, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Ah how sweet it is to love
Last Line: Tis but rain, and runs not clear.
Subject(s): Dreams; Love; Sleep; Virginity; Nightmares; Vestals


UNDER THE PICTURE OF MR JOHN DRYDEN, by ANNE FINCH    Poem Source                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As great a character the poet draws
Last Line: We'll grant like thee none ever writ before
Alternate Author Name(s): Kingsmill, Anne; Winchilsea, Countess Of


UPON THE DEATH OF THE LORD HASTINGS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Must noble hastings immaturely die
Last Line: Monument is his spouses marble brest.
Subject(s): Death; Epitaphs; Friendship; Life; Soul; Dead, The


UPON YOUNG MASTER ROGERS, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Of gentle blood, his parents only treasure
Last Line: He leap'd o'er age, and took the shortest way.
Subject(s): Death - Children; Grief; Death - Babies; Sorrow; Sadness


URANIA: THE DIVINE MUSE, ON THE DEATH OF JOHN DRYDEN, ESQ., by SARAH PIERS    Poem Text                    
First Line: When through the universe with horrour spread
Last Line: Nor find that dryden's dead, while garth does live.
Subject(s): Death; Dryden, John (1631-1700); Muses; Tears; Dead, The


VERSES TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF YORK, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Text         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Madam, when for our sakes your hero you resigned
Last Line: And round him the pleas'd audience clap their wings.
Subject(s): Great Britain - Dutch War (1664-1667); Hyde, Anne. Duchess Of York (1637-1671); James Ii, King Of Scotland (1430-1460)


VOX POPULI, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: He preaches to the crowd that power is lent
Last Line: What fools our fathers were, if this be true


WHAT SHALL I DO?, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography


WILD WEATHER, by JOHN DRYDEN    Poem Source         Poet Analysis             Poet's Biography
First Line: Portents and prodigies have grown so frequent
Subject(s): Winter