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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CAELICA: 39 by FULKE GREVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE PRIDE OF FLESH BY REACH OF HUMAN WIT
Last Line: ALL'S CHANGED, SHE UNDERSTANDS ALL MEN BUT ME.

The pride of flesh by reach of human wit
Did purpose once to overreach the sky,
And where before God drowned the world for it,
Yet Babylon it built up, not to die.

God knew these fools how foolishly they wrought,
That destiny with policy would break,
Straight none could tell his fellow what he thought,
Their tongues were changed, and men not taught to speak.

So I that heavenly peace would comprehend
In mortal seat of Caelica's fair heart,
To Babylon myself there did intend,
With natural kindness and with passion's art;
But when I thought myself of herself free,
All's changed, she understands all men but me.



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