Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CAELIA: SONNETS: 5, by WILLIAM BROWNE (1591-1643)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CAELIA: SONNETS: 5, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Were't not for you, here should my pen have set
Last Line: Others might wear, but I should win the bays.
Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, William Of Tavistock
Subject(s): Love; Poetry & Poets


WERE'T not for you, here should my pen have rest
And take a long leave of sweet poesy;
Britannia's swains, and rivers far by west,
Should hear no more mine oaten melody;
Yet shall the song I sung of them awhile
Unperfect lie, and make no further known
The happy loves of this our pleasant Isle;
Till I have left some record of mine own.
You are the subject now, and, writing you,
I well may versify, not poetize:
Here needs no fiction: for the graces true
And virtues clip not with base flatteries.
Here could I write what you deserve of praise,
Others might wear, but I should win the bays.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net