Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE ANSWER, by JOHN WILMOT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE ANSWER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Nothing adds to your fond fire
Last Line: And kill the rebel in your arms.
Alternate Author Name(s): Rochester, 2d Earl Of
Subject(s): Love - Unrequited


NOTHING adds to your fond Fire
More than Scorn, and cold disdain:
I, to cherish your desire,
Kindness us'd, but t'was in vain.

You insulted o're your Slave,
Humble Love you soon refus'd:
Hope not then a Power to have,
Which ingloriously you us'd.

Think not, Thirsis, I will e're,
By my Love my Empire lose:
You grow constant through Despair,
Love return'd you wou'd abuse.

Though you still possess my Heart,
Scorn and Rigour I must feign:
Ah! forgive that only Art,
Love has left, your Love to gain.

You that could my heart subdue,
To new Conquests ne're pretend:
Let the Example make me true,
And of a conquer'd Foe a Friend.

Then, if e're I should complain
Of your Empire, or my Chain,
Summon all the powerful Charms,
And kill the Rebel in your Arms.




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