Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO HIS MISTRESS, by GEORGE VILLIERS Poet's Biography First Line: What a dull fool was I Last Line: To you alone, it always shall be true! Alternate Author Name(s): Buckingham, 2d Duke Of Subject(s): Love - Nature Of | ||||||||
WHAT a dull fool was I, To think so gross a lie, As that I ever was in love before! I have, perhaps, known one or two With whom I was content to be At that, which they call "Keeping company." But, after all that they could do, I still could be with more. Their absence never made me shed a tear; And I can truly swear, That, till my eyes first gazed on you, I ne'er beheld that thing I could adore. A world of things must curiously be sought, A world of things must be together brought, To make up charms which have the power to move, Through a discerning eye, true love. That is a masterpiece above What only looks and shape can do; There must be wit, and judgment too; Greatness of thought, and worth, which draw From the whole world, respect and awe. She that would raise a noble love, must find Ways to beget a passion for her mind, She must be that, which she, to be would seem For all true love is grounded on esteem. Plainness and truth gain more a generous heart Than all the crooked subtleties of art. She must be (what said I?) She must be you. None but yourself that miracle can do; At least, I'm sure, thus much I plainly see, None but yourself e'er did it upon me. 'Tis you alone, that can my heart subdue -- To you alone, it always shall be true! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...RESCUE THE DEAD by DAVID IGNATOW BUTTERFLIES UNDER PERSIMMON by MARK JARMAN CHAMBER MUSIC: 27 by JAMES JOYCE CHAMBER MUSIC: 28 by JAMES JOYCE CHAMBER MUSIC: 30 by JAMES JOYCE HE WHO KNOWS LOVE by ELSA BARKER LOVE'S HUMBLENESS by ELSA BARKER SONG (IN THE LUCKY CHANCE) by APHRA BEHN CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOWING IN WEST BLOWING SNOW by JAMES GALVIN FEELINGS OF A REPUBLICAN ON THE FALL OF BONAPARTE by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY |
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