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A PRAYER TO THE WIND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Go, thou gentle whispering wind
Last Line: Or else quite extinguish mine.
Variant Title(s): Love's Errand
Subject(s): Desire; Wind


Go, thou gentle whispering wind,
Bear this sigh, and if thou find
Where my cruel fair doth rest,
Cast it in her snowy breast,
So, enflamed by my desire,
It may set her heart a-fire.
Those sweet kisses thou shalt gain
Will reward thee for thy pain;
Boldly light upon her lip,
There suck odours, and thence skip
To her bosom; lastly fall
Down, and wander over all;
Range about those ivory hills,
From whose every part distils
Amber dew, -- there spices grow,
There pure streams of nectar flow;
There perfume thyself, and bring
All those sweets upon thy wing;
As thou return'st, change by thy power
Every weed into a flower,
Turn each thistle to a vine,
Make the brambled eglantine!
For so rich a booty made,
Do but this, and I am paid.
Thou canst with thy powerful blast
Heat apace, and cool as fast;
Thou canst kindle hidden flame,
And again destroy the same;
Then, for pity, either stir
Up the fire of love in her,
That alike both flames may shine,
Or else quite extinguish mine.






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