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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PIPING PEACE, FR. THE IMPOSTURE by JAMES SHIRLEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU VIRGINS, THAT DID LATE DESPAIR
Last Line: AND ALL THE BLOOM WE OWE.

You virgins, that did late despair
To keep your wealth from cruel men,
Tie up in silk your careless hair:
Soft peace is come again.
Now lovers' eyes may gently shoot
A flame that will not kill;
The drum was angry, but the lute
Shall whisper what you will.

Sing Io, Io! for his sake
That hath restored your drooping heads;
With choice of sweetest flowers make
A garden where he treads;

Whilst we whole groves of laurel bring,
A petty triumph for his brow,
Who is the master of our spring
And all the bloom we owe.



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