1. I Came, I saw, and was undone; The Light'ning did through my bones and marrow run; A poynted paine pierc't deep my heart; A swift cold trembling seiz'd on every part; My head turn'd round, nor could it beare The Poyson that was enter'd there. 2. So a destroying Angell's breath Blowes in the Plague, and with it hasty Death. Such was the paine, did so beginne To the poore wretch, when Legion entred in. Forgive me, God, I cri'd; for I Flatter'd my selfe I was to dye. 3. But quickly to my Cost I found, 'Twas cruell Love, not Death, had made the wound: Death a more gen'rous rage does use; Quarter to all he conquers does refuse. Whilst Love with barbarous mercy saves The vanquisht lives, to make them slaves. 4. I am thy slave then; let me know, Hard Master, the great Taske I have to doe: Who pride and scorne doe undergoe, In tempests and rough Seas thy Galleys row; They pant, and groane, and sigh, but finde Their sighs encrease the angry winde. 5. Like an AEgyptian Tyrant, some Thou weariest out, in building but a Tombe. Others, with sad and tedious art, Labour i' th' Quarries of a stony heart; Of all the Workes thou dost assigne, To all the severall slaves of thine, Employ me, mighty Love, to digge the Mine. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER by THOMAS MOORE AN HYMN OF HEAVENLY LOVE by EDMUND SPENSER THE MENU by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A TOMB BY THE SEA by AULUS LICINIUS ARCHIAS SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 44. ISEULT by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |