Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONG, by JOHN DOWLAND


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

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First Line: Shall I sue, shall I seek for grace?
Last Line: When I die for the fair.
Subject(s): Happiness; Joy; Delight


SHALL I sue, shall I seek for grace?
Shall I pray, shall I prove?
Shall I strive to a heavenly joy,
With an earthly love?
Shall I think that a bleeding heart
Or a wounded eye,
Or a sigh can ascend the clouds
To attain so high.

Silly wretch, foresake these dreams,
Of a vain desire,
O bethink what high regard,
Holy hopes do require
Favour is as fair as things are:
Treasure is not bought,
Favour is not won with words,
Nor the wish of a thought.

Pity is a but a poor defence,
For a dying heart,
Ladies' eyes respect no man,
In a mean desert.
She is too worthy far,
For a worth so base,
Cruel and but just is she,
In my just disgrace.

Justice gives each man his own,
Though my love be just,
Yet will not she pity my grief,
Therefore, die I must:
Silly heart, then yield to die,
Perish in despair,
Witness yet how fain I die,
When I die for the fair.





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