Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FRIEND IN LOVE, by GEORGE CRABBE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FRIEND IN LOVE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Unhappy is the wretch who feels
Last Line: Deceived, despised, abused, forsaken!
Subject(s): Love - Complaints


I

UNHAPPY is the wretch who feels
The trembling lover's ardent flame,
And yet the treacherous hope conceals
By using Friendship's colder name.

He must the lover's pangs endure,
And still the outward sign suppress;
Nor may expect the smiles that cure
The wounded heart's conceal'd distress

When her soft looks on others bend,
By him discern'd, to him denied,
He must be then the silent friend,
And all his jealous torments hide.

When she shall one blest youth select,
His bleeding heart must still approve;
Must every angry thought correct,
And strive to like, where she can love.

Heaven from my heart such pangs remove,
And let these feverish sufferings cease --
These pains without the hope of love,
These cares of friendship, not its peace.

II

AND wilt thou never smile again;
Thy cruel purpose never shaken?
Hast thou no feeling for my pain,
Refused, disdain'd, despised, forsaken?

Thy uncle crafty, careful, cold,
His wealth upon my mind imprinted;
His fields described, and praised his fold,
And jested, boasted, promised, hinted.

Thy aunt -- I scorn'd the omen -- spoke
Of lovers by thy scorn rejected;
But I the warning never took,
When chosen, cheer'd, received, respected.

Thy brother too -- but all was plann'd
To murder peace -- all freely granted;
And then I lived in fairy land,
Transported, bless'd, enrapt, enchanted.

Oh, what a dream of happy love!
From which the wise in time awaken;
While I must all its anguish prove,
Deceived, despised, abused, forsaken!





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