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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THE TUNE 'IN FAITH I CANNOT KEEP MY FATHER'S SHEEP' by JOHN HALL (1627-1656)

First Line: CLORIS, IT IS NOT THY DISDAIN
Last Line: THIS SCORN ONE DAY, ONE DAY BY ENDLESS LOVE.
Subject(s): DISDAIN; SCORN;

CLORIS, it is not thy disdain
Can ever cover with despair,
Or in cold ashes hide that care
Which I have fed with so long pain:
I may perhaps mine eyes refrain,
And fruitless words no more impart,
But yet still serve, still serve thee in my heart.

What though I spend my hapless days
In finding entertainments out,
Careless of what I go about,
Or seek my peace in skilful ways,
Applying to my eyes new rays
Of beauty, and another flame
Unto my heart, my heart is still the same.

'Tis true that I could love no face
Inhabited by cold disdain,
Taking delight in other's pain.
Thy looks are full of native grace;
Since then by chance scorn there hath place
'Tis to be hop'd I may remove
This scorn one day, one day by endless Love.



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