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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CONVERT by JOHN SHEFFIELD

Poet Analysis

First Line: DEJECTED, AS TRUE CONVERTS DIE
Last Line: MAY I LOSE ALL IN LOSING THEE.
Subject(s): LOVE;

DEJECTED, as true converts die,
But yet with fervent thoughts inflam'd,
So fairest! at your feet I lie,
Of all my sex's faults asham'd.

Too long, alas! have I abus'd
Love's innocent and sacred flame,
And that divinest power have us'd
To laugh at as an idle name.

But since so freely I confess
A crime which may your scorn produce,
Allow me now to make it less
By any just and fair excuse.

I then did vulgar joys pursue,
Variety was all my bliss;
But ignorant of love and you,
How could I choose but do amiss?

If ever now my wandering eyes
Seek out amusements as before;
If e'er I look, but to despise
Such charms, and value yours the more;

May sad remorse and guilty shame,
Revenge your wrongs on faithless me;
And, what I tremble ev'n to name,
May I lose all in losing thee.



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