Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN IMITATION OF WALLER: 3. OF HER PICTURE by ALEXANDER POPE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE NYMPH HER GRACES HERE EXPRESS'D MAY FIND
Last Line: NOT FOR HIS OWN, BUT HERS, THE YOUTH HAD DY'D.
Subject(s): WALLER, EDMUND (1606-1687);
The nymph her graces here express'd may find,
And by this picture learn to dress her mind;
For here no frowns make tender love afraid,
Soft looks of mercy grace the flatt'ring shade,
And, while we gaze, the gracious form appears
T'approve our passion and forbid our fears.
Narcissus here a different fate had prov'd,
Whose bright resemblance by himself was lov'd;
Had he but once this fairer shade descry'd,
Not for his own, but hers, the youth had dy'd.



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