Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO DELIA: 46 (2) by SAMUEL DANIEL

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS TO THE ROMAN THAT WOULD FREE HIS LAND
Last Line: BUT HAPPIER YET, IF THOU WOULDST CHANGE THY MIND.
Subject(s): ERRORS; FAME; TYRANNY & TYRANTS; MISTAKES; FALLACIES; REPUTATION; DICTATORS;
As to the Roman that would free his land,
His error was his honor and renown,
And more the fame of his mistaking hand
Than if he had the tyrant overthrown.
So, Delia, hath mine error made me known,
And my deceived attempt deserved more fame
Than if I had the victory mine own,
And thy hard heart had yielded up the same.
And so, likewise, renowned is thy blame,
Thy cruelty, thy glory. Oh, strange case,
That errors should be graced that merit shame,
And sin of frowns bring honor to the face!
Yet, happy Delia, that thou wast unkind;
But happier yet, if thou wouldst change thy mind.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net