Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CONSTANT, by ABRAHAM COWLEY


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THE CONSTANT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Great, and wise conqueror, who where-ere
Last Line: Both in extent and qualitie?
Subject(s): Fidelity; Faithfulness; Constancy


1.

GReat, and Wise Conqueror, who where-ere
Thou com'st, dost fortifie, and settle there!
Who canst defend as well as get;
And never hadst one Quarter beat up yet;
Now thou art in, Thou nere wilt part
With one inch of my vanquisht Heart;
For since thou took'st it by assault from mee,
'Tis garrison'd so strong with thoughts of Thee,
It fears no beauteous Enemie.

2.

Had thy charming strength been lesse,
I'de serv'd ere this an hundred Mistresses.
I'me better thus, nor would compound
To leave my Pris'on to be a Vagabound.
A Pris'on in which I still would be,
Though every dore stood ope to Mee.
In spight both of thy Coldnesse and thy Pride,
All Love is Marriage on thy Lover's side,
For only Death can them divide.

3.

Close, Narrow Chain, yet soft and kind,
As that which Spi'rits above to good does bind!
Gentle, and sweet Necessitie,
Which does not force, but guide our Libertie!
Your Love on Me were spent in vain,
Since my Love still could but remain
Just as it is; for what, alas, can be
Added to that which hath Infinitie
Both in Extent and Qualitie?





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