If I could think how these my thoughts to leave, Or, thinking still, my thoughts might have good end; If rebel sense would reason's law receive, Or reason, foiled, would not in vain contend; Then might I think what thoughts were best to think; Then might I wisely swim or gladly sink. If either you would change your cruel heart, Or, cruel still, time did your beauty stain; If from my soul this love would once depart, Or for my love some love I might obtain; Then might I hope a change or ease of mind By your good help, or in myself, to find. But since my thoughts in thinking still are spent With reason's strife, by senses overthrown; You, fairer still, and still more cruel bent; I, loving still a love that loveth none; I yield and strive, I kiss and curse the pain Thought, reason, sense, time, you and I maintain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPISTLE IN FORM OF A BALLAD TO HIS FRIENDS by FRANCOIS VILLON A SUMMER NIGHT by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL ON THE MEDUSA OF LEONARDO DA VINCI IN THE FLORENTINE GALLERY by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY MIDSUMMER by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT TO ANNE (1) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON |