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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE IDEA by CHARLES COTTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: ART THOU THEN ABSENT, O THOU DEAR
Last Line: TO BE PURSU'D BY SUCH A CHARMING SPRITE.
Subject(s): HALLUCINATIONS & ILLUSIONS;

ART thou then absent, O thou dear
And only subject of my flame?
And these fair objects that appear
But shadows of that noble frame,
For which I do all other form disclaim?

Am I deluded? do I only rave?
Was it a phantasme only that I saw?
Have dreams such power to deceive?
Oh, lovely shade, thou didst too soon withdraw,
Like fleecy snow, that as it falls, doth thaw.

Glorious illusion! Lovely shade!
Once more deceive me with thy light;
'Tis pleasure so to be betray'd,
And I for ever shall delight,
To be pursu'd by such a charming sprite.



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