Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DIALOGUE: LUCASTA, ALEXIS, by RICHARD LOVELACE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DIALOGUE: LUCASTA, ALEXIS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tell me, alexis, what this parting is
Last Line: But time nor fate can part us joined thus.
Subject(s): Farewell; Togetherness; Parting


Lucasta. TELL me, Alexis, what this parting is,
That so like dying is, but is not it.
Alexis. It is a swounding for a while from bliss,
Till kind "How do you?" calls us from the fit.
If then the spirits only stray, let mine
Fly to thy bosom. Lucasta. And my soul to thine.

Chorus
Thus in our native seat we gladly give
Our right for one where we can better live.

Lucasta. But ah this ling'ring, murd'ring farewell!
Death quickly wounds, and wounding cures the ill.
Alexis. It is the glory of a valiant lover
Still to be dying, still for to recover.

Chorus
Soldiers suspected of their courage go,
That ensigns and their breasts untorn show:
Love near his standard when his host he sets,
Creates alone fresh-bleeding bannerets.

Alexis. But part we when thy figure I retain
Still in my heart, still strongly in mine eye?
Lucasta. Shadows no longer than the sun remain,
But when his beams, that made 'em, fly, they fly.

Chorus
Vain dreams of love! that only so much bliss
Allow us, as to know our wretchedness;
And deal a larger measure in our pain,
By showing joy, then hiding it again.

Alexis. No, whilst light reigns, Lucasta still rules here,
And all the night shines wholly in this sphere.
Lucasta. I know no morn but my Alexis' ray,
To my dark thoughts the breaking of the day.

Chorus
Alexis. So in each other if the pitying sun
Thus keep us fix'd, ne'er may his course be run!
Lucasta. And oh! if night us undivided make,
Let us sleep still, and sleeping, never wake!

The Close
Cruel adieus may well adjourn awhile
The sessions of a look, a kiss, or smile,
And leave behind an angry grieving blush;
But time nor fate can part us joined thus.





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