Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A DIALOGUE BETWIXT A NYMPH AND A SHEPHERD, by THOMAS RANDOLPH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A DIALOGUE BETWIXT A NYMPH AND A SHEPHERD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Why sigh you, swain? This passion is not common
Last Line: And thaws the icy frost of cold desire.
Subject(s): Passion


Nymph. WHY sigh you, swain? this passion is not common
Is't for your kids or lambkins?
Shep. For a woman.
Nymph. How fair is she that on so sage a brow
Prints lowering looks?
Shep. Just such a toy as thou.
Nymph. Is she a maid?
Shep. What man can answer that?
Nymph. Or widow?
Shep. No.
Nymph. What then?
Shep. I know not what;
Saint-like she looks, a Syren if she sing.
Her eyes are stars, her mind is everything.
Nymph. If she be fickle, shepherd, leave to woo,
Or fancy me.
Shep. No, thou art woman too.
Nymph. But I am constant.
Shep. Then thou art not fair.
Nymph. Bright as the morning.
Shep. Wavering as the air.
Nymph. What grows upon this cheek?
Shep. A pure carnation.
Nymph. Come, taste a kiss.
Shep. O sweet, O sweet temptation!
Chorus. Ah, Love! and canst thou never lose the field?
Where Cupid lays the siege, the town must yield.
He warms the chiller blood with glowing fire,
And thaws the icy frost of cold desire.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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