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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SELF-EXAMINATION, by                    
First Line: Why throbs my heart when he appears?
Last Line: "o say, my heart, thus sweetly tried, / couldst thou thy joys conceal?"
Alternate Author Name(s): A Lady
Subject(s): Desire


WHY throbs my heart when he appears?
From whence this tender sigh?
Why are my eyes dissolved in tears,
When he's no longer nigh?

Where are my wonted pleasures fled?
Nor books nor lyre can please;
That lies untouched, and these unread:
All occupations tease.

One loved idea still employs
All hopes and all desires!
Walks are insipid, music's noise,
And conversation tires.

But when Philander speaks, 'tis then
I all attention pay;
And fondly wish the power to pen
Whate'er he deigns to say!

O with what skill I strive to hide
The joy my bosom feels!
When he, oft seated by my side,
To me his thoughts reveals.

Wit, sense, and genius then conspire
Each faculty to seize!
And while I fondly thus admire,
I lose the power to please.

A pause ensues, his eyes still speak,
As waiting a reply:
My words in faltering accents break,
Or on my lips they die.

Oh were Philander once to bear
In all my woes a part;
And softly whisper in my ear
The secret of his heart!

What pleasure through each sense would glide!
What transport should I feel!
O say, my heart, thus sweetly tried,
Couldst thou thy joys conceal?





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