Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A SIGH, by ANNE FINCH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SIGH, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Gentlest air, thou breath of lovers
Last Line: Every nymph may read thee here.
Alternate Author Name(s): Kingsmill, Anne; Winchilsea, Countess Of
Subject(s): Sighs


GENTLEST air, thou breath of lovers,
Vapours from a secret fire,
Which by thee itself discovers,
Ere yet daring to aspire.

Softest note of whispered anguish,
Harmony's refin'dest part,
Striking, while thou seem'st to languish,
Full upon the listener's heart.

Safest messenger of passion,
Stealing through a crowd of spies,
Which constrain the outward fashion,
Close the lips and guard the eyes.

Shapeless sigh! we ne'er can show thee,
Formed but to assault the ear;
Yet, ere to their cost they know thee,
Every nymph may read thee here.





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