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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


OF THE CHANGES OF LIFE by WILLIAM DUNBAR

Poet Analysis

First Line: I SEEK ABOUT THIS WORLD UNSTABLE
Last Line: SO IS THIS WORLD AND EVER HAS BEEN.
Subject(s): LIFE; TRANSIENCE; IMPERMANENCE;

I seek about this world unstable
to find one faithful moral fable,
but I cannot for all my wit
so true one maxim find of it
but say, it is deceivable.

For yesterday I did declare
how that the season soft and fair
came in as fresh as peacock feather.
This day it stings me like an adder.
Things conclude me @3au contraire.@1

Yesterday fair upsprang the flowers,
this day they are all slain with shears;
and fowls in forests that sang clear
now wake up with a dreary cheer.
Full cold are both their beds and bowers.

Next after summer, winter lean,
next after comfort, care keen;
next to dark midnight, mirthful morrow;
next after joy come sorrow.
So is this world and ever has been.



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