Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HER NAME, by CHARLES COTTON



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HER NAME, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: To write your name upon the glass
Last Line: With all the world, and so must thou, and I.
Subject(s): Love


I

To write your name upon the glass,
Is that the greatest you'll impart
Of your commands? when, Dear, alas!
'Twas long since graven in my heart?
But you foresee my heart must break, and sure
Think 't in that brittle quarry more secure.

II

My breast impregnable is found,
Which nothing, but thy beauty, wracks,
Than this frail metal far more sound,
That every storm and tempest cracks.
And, if you add faith to my vows and tears,
More firm, and more transparent it appears.

III

Yet, I obey you, when, behold!
I tremble at the forced fact,
My hand too saucy and too bold,
Timorously shivers at the act;
And 'twixt the wounded glass, and th' harder stone,
I hear a murmuring emulation.

IV

'Tis done; to which let all hearts bow,
And to the Tablet sacrifice;
Incense of loyal sighs allow,
And tears from wonder stricken eyes;
Which, should the Schismatics of Sion see,
Perchance they'd break it for idolatry.

V

But, cursed be that awkward hand
Dares raze the glory from this frame,
That, notwithstanding thy command,
Tears from this glass thy ador'd name;
Whoe'er he be, unless he do repent,
He's damn'd for breaking thy Commandement.

VI

Yet, what thy dear will here has plac'd,
Such is its unassured state,
Must once, my Sweetest, be defac'd
Or by the stroke of Time, or Fate;
It must at last, howe'er, dissolve, and die,
With all the World, and so must thou, and I.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net