The pride of flesh by reach of human wit Did purpose once to overreach the sky, And where before God drowned the world for it, Yet Babylon it built up, not to die. God knew these fools how foolishly they wrought, That destiny with policy would break, Straight none could tell his fellow what he thought, Their tongues were changed, and men not taught to speak. So I that heavenly peace would comprehend In mortal seat of Caelica's fair heart, To Babylon myself there did intend, With natural kindness and with passion's art; But when I thought myself of herself free, All's changed, she understands all men but me. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONG:SO WHY DOES THIS DEAD CARNATION by HAYDEN CARRUTH MATER AMABILIS by EMMA LAZARUS THE GRAVE OF A POETESS by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS BELLS FOR JOHN WHITESIDE'S DAUGHTER by JOHN CROWE RANSOM THE TRIUMPH OF TIME by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE |