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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IDEA: 14. TO TIME by MICHAEL DRAYTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF HE FROM HEAVEN THAT FILCHED THAT LIVING FIRE
Last Line: THUS POOR THIEVES SUFFER WHEN THE GREATER 'SCAPE.
Subject(s): PROMETHEUS;
If he from heaven that filched that living fire
Condemned by Jove to endless torment be,
I greatly marvel how you still go free,
That far beyond Prometheus did aspire.
The fire he stole, although of heavenly kind,
Which from above he carftily did take,
Of liveless clods, us living men to make,
He did bestow in temper of the mind.
But you broke into heaven's immortal store,
Where virtue, honor, wit, and beauty lay;
Which taking thence you have escaped away,
Yet stand as free as ere you did before;
Yet old Prometheus punished for his his rape.
Thus poor thieves suffer when the greater 'scape.


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