Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG by JOHN DOWLAND

First Line: DIE NOT BEFORE THY DAY, POOR MAN CONDEMNED
Last Line: SO SHE ENDS HER WILLING SONG.
Subject(s): HAPPINESS; JOY; DELIGHT;

DIE not before thy day, poor man condemned,
But lift thy low looks from the humble earth,
Kiss not despair, and see sweet hope contemned:
The hag hath no delight, but moan for mirth,
Fie, poor fondling, be thou willing
To preserve thyself from killing:
Hope thy keeper glad to free thee
Bids thee go, and will not see thee
Hie thee quickly from thy wrong—
So she ends her willing song.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net