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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG TO MY MISTRESS, I BURNING IN LOVE by THOMAS CAREW

Poet Analysis

First Line: I BURN, AND CRUEL YOU IN VAIN
Last Line: TILL YOU BURN, AS WELL AS I.
Subject(s): DESIRE; LOVE - UNREQUITED;

I BURN, and cruel you in vain
Hope to quench me with disdain;
If from your eyes those sparkles came
That have kindled all this flame,
What boots it me, though now you shroud
Those fierce comets in a cloud?
Since all the flames that I have felt
Could your snow yet never melt:
Nor can your snow, though you should take
Alps into your bosom, slake
The heat of my enamour'd heart.
But, with wonder, learn Love's art:
No seas of ice can cool desire,
Equal flames must quench Love's fire.
Then think not that my heat can die,
Till you burn, as well as I.



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