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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG by JOHN DOWLAND

First Line: WHAT IF I NEVER SPEED
Last Line: FOR EITHER I WILL LOVE OR ADMIRE THEE.
Subject(s): HAPPINESS; JOY; DELIGHT;

WHAT if I never speed,
Shall I straight yield to despair,
And still on sorrow speed
That can no loss repair?
Or shall I change my love?
For I find power to depart,
And in my reason prove,
I can command my heart:
But if she will pity my desire, and my love requite,
Then ever shall she live my dear delight.
Come while I have a heart to desire thee:
For either I will love or admire thee.

Oft have I dreamed of joy
Yet I never felt the sweet,
But tired with annoy,
My griefs each other greet.
Oft have I left my hope,
As a wretch by fate forlorn;
But love aims at one scope,
And, lost, will still return:
He that once loves with a true desire never can depart,
For Cupid is the king of every heart.
Come, while I have a heart to desire thee:
For either I will love or admire thee.



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