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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CONSTANCY by JOANNA BAILLIE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WITH THE ROUGH BLAST HEAVES THE BILLOW
Last Line: DULL, UNJOYOUS CONSTANCY?
Subject(s): FIDELITY; FAITHFULNESS; CONSTANCY;

WITH the rough blast heaves the billow,
In the light air waves the willow,
Every thing of moving kind
Varies with the veering wind;
What have I to do with thee,
Dull, unjoyous constancy?

After fretted, pouting sorrow,
Sweet will be thy smile to-morrow;
Changing still, each passing thing
Fairest is upon the wing:
What have I to do with thee,
Dull, unjoyous constancy?

Song of love, and satire witty,
Sprightly glee and doleful ditty;
Every mood and every lay,
Welcome all, but do not stay;
For what have I to do with thee,
Dull, unjoyous constancy?



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