Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CLAD ALL IN WHITE, by ABRAHAM COWLEY



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CLAD ALL IN WHITE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Fairest thing that shines below
Last Line: When the white flag he sees hung out?


1.

FAirest thing that shines below,
Why in this robe dost thou appear?
Wouldst thou a white most perfect show,
Thou must at all no garment wear:
Thou wilt seem much whiter so,
Than Winter when 'tis clad with Snow.

2.

'Tis not the Linnen shews so faire:
Her skinne shines through, and makes it bright;
So Clouds themselves like Suns appear,
When the Sun pierces them with Light:
So L does it selfe display,
Like a starre plac'd i' th' Milky way.

4.

Such robes the Saints departed wear,
Woven all with Light divine;
Such their exalted Bodies are,
And with such full glory shine.
But oh they 'tend not mortals' Pain;
Men pray, I fear, to both in vaine.

5.

Yet seeing thee so gently pure,
My hopes will needs continue still;
Thou wouldst not take this Garment sure,
When thou hadst an Intent to kill.
Of Peace and yeelding who would doubt,
When the White Flag he sees hung out?





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