Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, RESOLVED TO LOVE, by ABRAHAM COWLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RESOLVED TO LOVE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I wonder what the grave and wise
Last Line: Pronounc'd all van'ity, chose it for the best.
Subject(s): Love


1.

I Wonder what the Grave and Wise
Think of all us that Love;
Whether our pretty Fooleries
Their Mirth or Anger move;
They understand not Breath, that Words do want;
Our Sighes to them are unsignificant.

2.

One of them saw me th' other day,
Touch the dear hand, which I admire;
My Soule was melting strait away,
And dropt before the Fire.
This silly Wiseman, who pretends to know,
Ask't why I look'd so pale, and trembled so?

3.

Another from my Mistrese' dore
Saw mee with eyes all watry come;
Nor could the hidden cause explore,
But thought some smoak was in the room;
Such Ignorance from unwounded Learning came;
He knew Tears made by Smoak, but not by Flame.

4.

If learn'd in other things you be,
And have in Love no skill,
For God's sake keep your arts from mee,
For I'le be ignorant still.
Study or Action others may embrace;
My Love's my Businesse, and my Books her Face.

5.

These are but trifles, I confesse,
Which me, weak Mortall, move;
Nor is your busie Seriousnesse
Lesse trifling then my Love.
The wisest King who from his sacred brest
Pronounc'd all Van'ity, chose it for the best.





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