Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO HIS MISTRESS, by RICHARD BARNFIELD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HIS MISTRESS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bright starre of beauty, fairest faire alive
Last Line: If not, in silence sleepe eternally.
Alternate Author Name(s): Barnefield, Richard
Subject(s): Love


Bright Starre of Beauty, fairest Faire alive,
Rare president of peerelesse chastity;
(In whom the Muses and the Graces strive,
Which shall possesse the chiefest part of thee:)
Oh let these simple lines accepted bee:
Which here I offer at thy sacred shrine:
Sacred, because sweet Beauty is divine.

And though I cannot please each curious eare,
With sugred Noates of heavenly Harmonie:
Yet if my love shall to thy selfe appeare,
No other Muse I will invoke but thee:
And if thou wilt my faire Thalia be,
Ile sing sweet Hymnes and praises to thy name,
In that cleare Temple of eternall Fame.

But ah (alas) how can mine infant Muse
(That never heard of Helicon before)
Performe my promise past: when they refuse
Poore Shepheards Plaints? yet will I still adore
Thy sacred Name, although I write no more:
Yet hope I shall, if this accepted bee:
If not, in silence sleepe eternally.





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