Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CRYSTAL, by JOHN HALL (1627-1656)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CRYSTAL, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This crystal here
Last Line: It, of itself, will constant be.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hall Of Durham, John
Subject(s): Beauty


THIS crystal here
That shines so clear,
And carries in its womb a little day;
Once hammer'd will appear
Impure as dust, as dark as clay.

Even such will prove
Thy face, my love!
When age shall soil the lustre of thine eyes,
And all that red remove
That on thy spicy lip now lies:

Nor can a hand
Again command,
By any art, these ruins into frame,
But they will sever'd stand,
And ne'er compose the former same.

Such is the case,
Love! of thy face,
Both desperate, in this you disagree --
Thy beauty needs must pass
It, of itself, will constant be.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net