Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LOVE AND LIFE. A SONG by JOHN WILMOT

Poet Analysis

First Line: ALL MY PAST LIFE IS MINE NO MORE
Last Line: TIS ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS.
Subject(s): FIDELITY; TIME; FAITHFULNESS; CONSTANCY;

ALL my past life is mine no more;
The flying hours are gone,
Like transitory dreams given o'er,
Whose images are kept in store
By memory alone.

The time that is to come is not;
How can it then be mine?
The present moment 's all my lot;
And that, as fast as it is got,
Phillis, is only thine.

Then talk not of inconstancy,
False hearts, and broken vows;
If I by miracle can be
This live-long minute true to thee,
'Tis all that Heaven allows.



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