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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG [WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 1732] by GEORGE LYTTELTON

First Line: WHEN DELIA ON THE PLAIN APPEARS
Last Line: TELL ME, MY HEART, IF THIS BE LOVE.
Subject(s): INNOCENCE; LOVE; LOVE - BEGINNINGS;

WHEN Delia on the plain appears,
Awed by a thousand tender fears,
I would approach, but dare not move; --
Tell me, my heart, if this be love.
Whene'er she speaks, my ravished ear
No other voice than hers can hear;
No other wit but hers approve; --
Tell me, my heart, if this be love.
When she is absent, I no more
Delight in all that pleased before,
The clearest spring, the shadiest grove; --
Tell me, my heart, if this be love.
When fond of power, of beauty vain,
Her nets she spread for every swain,
I strove to hate, but vainly strove; --
Tell me, my heart, if this be love.



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