Unconstant thoughts where light desires do move, With every object which sense to them shows, Still ebbing from themselves to seas of love, Like ill led kings that conquer but to lose, With blood and pain these dearly purchase shame, Time blotting all things out but evil name. The double heart that loveth itself best Yet can make self-love bear the name of friend, Whose kindness only in his wit doth rest, And can be all but truth to have his end, Must one desire in many figures cast; Dissemblings then are known when they are past. The heart of man, mis-seeking for the best, Oft doubly or unconstantly must blot; Between these two the misconceit doth rest, Whether it ever were that lasteth not; Unconstancy and doubleness depart When man bends his desires to mend his heart. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON A VIRTUOUS YOUNG GENTLEWOMAN THAT DIED SUDDENLY by WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT A CONTEMPLATION UPON FLOWERS by HENRY KING (1592-1669) LUCIFER IN STARLIGHT by GEORGE MEREDITH THE GIRLS' LOT by AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS |