Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE SHORT WOOING, by HENRY KING (1592-1669) Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like an oblation set before a shrine Last Line: To stick the coffin of rejected love. Subject(s): Love - Unrequited | ||||||||
LIKE an oblation set before a shrine, Fair one! I offer up this heart of mine. Whether the Saint accept my gift or no, I'll neither fear nor doubt before I know. For he whose faint distrust prevents reply, Doth his own suit's denial prophesy. Your will the sentence is; who free as Fate Can bid my love proceed, or else retreat. And from short views that verdict is decreed Which seldom doth one audience exceed. Love asks no dull probation, but like light Conveys his nimble influence at first sight. I need not therefore importune or press; This were t' extort unwilling happiness: And much against affection might I sin: To tire and weary what I seek to win. Towns which by ling'ring siege enforced be Oft make both sides repent the victory. Be Mistress of yourself: and let me thrive Or suffer by your own prerogative. Yet stay, since you are Judge, who in one breath Bear uncontrolled power of Life and Death, Remember (Sweet) pity doth best become Those lips which must pronounce a suitor's doom. If I find that, my spark of chaste desire Shall kindle into Hymen's holy fire: Else like sad flowers will these verses prove, To stick the coffin of rejected Love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON TUTTO E SCIOLTO by JAMES JOYCE APPULDURCOMBE PARK by AMY LOWELL TALE OF THE MAYOR'S SON by GLYN MAXWELL ELEGY FOR AN ENEMY by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ESSAY ON WHAT I THINK ABOUT MOST by ANNE CARSON A CONTEMPLATION UPON FLOWERS by HENRY KING (1592-1669) |
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