Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ODE by CHARLES COTTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: FAIR ISABEL, IF OUGHT BUT THEE
Last Line: THAT KNOWS NO LOVE, NOR LIFE, BUT THEE.
Subject(s): LOVE;
I

FAIR Isabel, if ought but thee
I could, or would, or like, or love;
If other Beauties but approve
To sweeten my captivity:
I might those passions be above,
Those pow'rful passions that combine
To make, and keep me only thine.

II

Or, if for tempting treasure I
Of the World's God, prevailing gold,
Could see thy Love, and my Truth sold,
A greater, nobler Treasury;
My flame to thee might then grow cold,
And I like one whose love is sense,
Exchange thee for convenience.

III

But when I vow to thee, I do
Love thee above or health or peace,
Gold, joy, and all such toys as these,
'Bove happiness and honour too:
Thou then must know, this love can cease,
Nor change for all the glorious show
Wealth and discretion bribes us to.

IV

What such a love deserves, thou, Sweet,
As knowing best, may'st best reward;
I, for thy bounty well prepar'd
With open arms my blessing meet.
Then do not, Dear, our joys retard
But unto him propitious be,
That knows no love, nor life, but thee.



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