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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG TO ONE THAT DESIRED TO KNOW MY MISTRESS by THOMAS CAREW

Poet Analysis

First Line: SEEK NOT TO KNOW MY LOVE, FOR SHE
Last Line: YET HERE 'TIS WISDOM NOT TO KNOW.

SEEK not to know my love, for she
Hath vow'd her constant faith to me;
Her mild aspects are mine, and thou
Shalt only find a stormy brow:
For if her beauty stir desire
In me, her kisses quench the fire.
Or I can to love's fountain go,
Or dwell upon her hills of snow;
But when thou burn'st, she shall not spare
One gentle breath to cool the air;
Thou shalt not climb those Alps, nor spy
Where the sweet springs of Venus lie.
Search hidden Nature and there find
A treasure to enrich thy mind;
Discover arts not yet reveal'd,
But let my mistress live conceal'd:
Though men by knowledge wiser grow,
Yet here 'tis wisdom not to know.



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