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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FOURTH BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 21 by THOMAS CAMPION

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF ANY HATH THE HEART TO KILL
Last Line: NOW THOUGH SHE SEES, SHE'LL NOT BELIEVE.
Subject(s): IMPOTENCE;

IF any hath the heart to kill,
Come rid me of this woeful pain!
For while I live I suffer still
This cruel torment all in vain:
Yet none alive but one can guess
What is the cause of my distress.

Thanks be to heaven, no grievous smart,
No maladies my limbs annoy;
I bear a fond and sprightful heart,
Yet live I quite deprived of joy:
Since what I had in vain I crave,
And what I had not now I have.

A love I had, so fair, so sweet,
As ever wanton eye did see:
Once by appointment we did meet:
She would, but ah, it would not be!
She gave her heart, her hand she gave;
All did I give, she nought could have.

What hag did then my powers forespeak,
That never yet such taint did feel!
Now she rejects me as one weak,
Yet am I all composed of steel.
Ah, this is it my heart doth grieve:
Now though she sees, she'll not believe.



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