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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DUKE OF GUISE: SONG BETWIXT A SHEPHERD AND A SHEPHERDESS by JOHN DRYDEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHEPHERDESS: TELL ME THIRSIS, TELL YOUR ANGUISH
Last Line: STILL THE MORE 'TIS MELTED DOWN.
Subject(s): LOVE; NYMPHS; SHEPHERDS & SHEPHERDESSES; SINGING & SINGERS; SONGS;

@3Shepherdess.@1 Tell me @3Thirsis@1, tell your Anguish,
Why you Sigh, and why you Languish;
When the Nymph whom you Adore,
Grants the Blessing of Possessing,
What can Love and I do more?

@3Shepherd.@1 Think it's Love beyond all Measure,
Makes me faint away with Pleasure;
Strength of Cordial may destroy,
And the Blessing of possessing
Kills me with Excess of Joy.

@3Shepherdess. Thirsis@1, how can I believe you?
But confess and I'le forgive you;
Men are false, and so are you;
Never Nature fram'd a Creature
To enjoy, and yet be true.

@3Shepherd.@1 Mine's a Flame beyond expiring,
Still possessing, still desiring,
Fit for Love's imperial Crown;
Ever shining, and refining,
Still the more 'tis melted down.

@3Chorus together.@1 Mine's a Flame beyond expiring,
Still possessing, still desiring,
Fit for Love's imperial Crown;
Ever shining, and refining,
Still the more 'tis melted down.



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