Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LOVE'S HUE AND CRY, by JAMES SHIRLEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LOVE'S HUE AND CRY, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In love's name you are charged! O , fly
Last Line: And leave the world without a soul.
Subject(s): Love


IN Love's name you are charged! O, fly,
And make a speedy Hue and Cry
After a face, which t'other day
Stole my wand'ring heart away:
To direct you, take in brief
These few marks to know the thief.

Her hair a net of beams, would prove
Strong enough to imprison Jove
Dress'd in his eagle's shape; Her brow
Is a spacious field of snow;
Her eyes so rich, so pure a grey,
Every look creates a day;
And if they close themselves (not when
The sun doth set), 'tis night again;
In her cheeks are to be seen
Of flowers both the King and Queen;
Thither by all the Graces led,
And smiling in their nuptial bed:
On whom, like pretty nymphs, do wait
Her twin-born lips, whose virgin state
They do deplore themselves, nor miss
To blush, so often as they kiss
Without a man. Beside the rest,
You shall know this felon best
By her tongue; for, when your ear
Once a harmony shall hear
So ravishing, you do not know
Whether you be in Heaven, or no;
That, that is she; O, straight surprise,
And bring her unto Love's Assize;
But lose no time, for fear that she
Ruin all mankind, like me,
Fate, and Philosophy control,
And leave the World without a soul.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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