Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, APOLLO AND DAPHNE, by GIAMBATTISTA MARINI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

APOLLO AND DAPHNE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When phoebus saw a rugged bark beguile
Last Line: Where he expected fruit he gathers leaves.
Alternate Author Name(s): Marino, Giambattista; Marino, Giovanni Battista
Subject(s): Apollo; Daphne (mythology); Mythology - Classical


WHEN Phoebus saw a rugged bark beguile
His love, and his embraces intercept,
The leaves, instructed by his grief to smile,
Taking fresh growth and verdure as he wept:
'How can', saith he, 'my woes expect release,
When tears the subject of my tears increase!'

His chang'd, yet scorn-retaining Fair he kiss'd,
From the lov'd trunk plucking a little bough;
And though the conquest which he sought he miss'd,
With that triumphant spoil adorns his brow.
Thus this disdainful maid his aim deceives:
Where he expected fruit he gathers leaves.





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