Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON THE SNUFF OF A CANDLE; MADE IN SICKNESS, by ANNE WHARTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON THE SNUFF OF A CANDLE; MADE IN SICKNESS, by                    
First Line: See there the taper's dim and doleful light
Last Line: Our best physicians and our dearest friends.


See there the taper's dim and doleful light,
In gloomy waves rolls silently about,
And represents to my dim weary sight,
My light of life almost as near burnt out.

Ah, health! best part and substance of our joy,
(For without thee 'tis nothing but a shade,)
Why dost thou partially thyself employ,
Whilst thy proud foes as partially invade?

What we, who ne'er enjoy, so fondly seek,
Those who possess thee still, almost despise;
To gain immortal glory, raise the weak,
Taught by their former want thy worth to prize.

Dear, melancholy Muse! my constant guide,
Charm this coy health back to my fainting heart,
Or I'll accuse thee of vainglorious pride,
And swear thou dost but feign the moving art.

But why do I upbraid thee, gentle Muse,
Who for all sorrows mak'st me some amends?
Alas! our sickly minds sometimes abuse
Our best physicians and our dearest friends.





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