Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO HIS VIOL, by PHILIP AYRES



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TO HIS VIOL, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I tun'd my viol, and have often strove
Last Line: And in his cytherea's bosom sleep.
Subject(s): Viol (musical Instrument)


I TUN'D my viol, and have often strove,
In Mars's praise to raise his humble verse,
And in heroic strain his deeds rehearse,
But all my accents still resound of Love.

In foreign countries, or on English ground,
Love for my theme does dictate Cynthia's charms,
Nor will he let me sing of other arms,
Than those with which he lovers' hearts does wound.

This viol then, unfit for rougher notes,
My muse shall tune to its accustom'd way;
So shall it my harmonious points obey,
For it to Cynthia all its tunes devotes.

Then to my soft and sweetest strokes I keep,
Whilst angry Mars his fury may lay by,
He list'ning to my song will quiet lie,
And in his Cytherea's bosom sleep.





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