Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AMBITION, by THOMAS STANLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AMBITION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I must no longer now admire
Last Line: But beauty's only meant for love.
Subject(s): Ambition


I MUST no longer now admire
The coldness which possess'd
Thy snowy breast,
That can by other flames be set on fire.
Poor Love, to harsh Disdain betray'd,
Is by Ambition thus out-weigh'd.

Hadst thou but known the vast extent
Of constant faith, how far
'Bove all that are
Born slaves to Wealth, or Honour's vain ascent;
No richer treasure couldst thou find
Than hearts with mutual chains combin'd.

But Love is too despis'd a name,
And must not hope to rise
Above these ties;
Honour and Wealth outshine his paler flame;
These unite souls, whilst true desire
Unpitied dies in its own fire.

Yet, cruel fair one, I did aim
With no less justice too,
Than those that sue
For other hopes, and thy proud fortunes claim.
Wealth honours, honours wealth approve,
But Beauty's only meant for Love.





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