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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MR. T.W. [THOMAS WOODWARD] (3) by JOHN DONNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HAST THEE HARSH VERSE, AS FAST AS THY LAME MEASURE
Last Line: AND YOU'ARE MY PAWNES, OR ELSE MY TESTAMENT.

Hast thee harsh verse, as fast as thy lame measure
Will give thee leave, to him, my pain and pleasure.
I have given thee, and yet thou art too weake,
Feete, and a reasoning soule and tongue to speake.
Plead for me, and so by thine and my labour
I am thy Creator, thou my Saviour.
Tell him, all questions, which men have defended
Both of the place and paines of hell, are ended;
And 'tis decreed our hell is but privation
Of him, at least in this earths habitation:
And 'tis where I am, where in every street
Infections follow, overtake, and meete:
Live I or die, by you my love is sent,
And you'are my pawnes, or else my Testament.



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