Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON LUCY, COUNTESS OF BEDFORD, by BEN JONSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON LUCY, COUNTESS OF BEDFORD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: This morning, timely rapt with holy fire
Last Line: My muse bad, bedford write, and that was she.
Subject(s): Bedford, Lucy, Countess Of (1581-1627); Russell, Lucy, Countess Of Bedford


This morning, timely rapt with holy fire,
I thought to form unto my zealous muse,
What kind of creature I could most desire,
To honour, serve, and love; as poets use.
I meant to make her fair, and free, and wise,
Of greatest blood, and yet more good than great;
I meant the day-star should not brighter rise,
Nor lend like influence from his lucent seat.
I meant she should be courteous, facile, sweet,
Hating that solemn vice of greatness, pride;
I meant each softest virtue, there should meet,
Fit in that softer bosom to reside.
Only a learned, and a manly soul
I purposed her; that should, with even powers,
The rock, the spindle, and the shears control
Of destiny, and spin her own free hours.
Such when I meant to feign, and wished to see,
My muse bad, Bedford write, and that was she.





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