Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO HIS DEAR BROTHER COLONEL F.L. MOURNING DEATH AT CARMARTHEN, by RICHARD LOVELACE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HIS DEAR BROTHER COLONEL F.L. MOURNING DEATH AT CARMARTHEN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If tears could wash the ill away
Last Line: Doth starry influence dissolve.
Subject(s): Brothers; Carmarthen, Wales; Mourning; Half-brothers; Bereavement


IF tears could wash the ill away,
A pearl for each wet bead I'd pay;
But as dew'd corn the fuller grows,
So water'd eyes but swell our woes.

One drop another calls, which still
(Grief adding fuel) doth distil;
Too fruitful of herself is anguish,
We need no cherishing to languish.

Coward Fate degen'rate man
Like little children uses when
He whips us first until we weep,
Then' cause we still a-weeping keep.

Then from thy firm self never swerve;
Tears fat the grief that they should sterve;
Iron decrees of Destiny
Are ne'er wip'd out with a wet eye.

But this way you may gain the field,
Oppose but sorrow, and 'twill yield;
One gallant thorough-made resolve
Doth starry influence dissolve.





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