WHAT means this folly, now to brave it so, And then to use submission? Is that a friend that straight can play the foe? Who loves on such condition? Though briars breed roses, none the briar affect: But with the flower are pleased. Love only loves delight and soft respect: He must not be diseased. These thorny passions spring from barren breasts, Or such as need much weeding. Love only loves delight and soft respect; But sends them not home bleeding. Command thy humour, strive to give content, And shame not love's profession. Of kindness never any could repent That made choice with discretion. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE OTHER SIDE OF A MIRROR by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE THE PATH-FLOWER by OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN THE ILIAD: ACHILLES OVER THE TRENCH by HOMER FOR SPRING, BY SANDRO BOTTICELLI by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 119 by ALFRED TENNYSON THE INNER VISION by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE FLITCH OF BACON: MY OLD COMPLAINT (ITS CAUSE AND CURE) by WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH COMPARES THE TROUBLES WHICH HE HAS UNDERGONE, TO LABOURS OF HERCULES by PHILIP AYRES |