Celia, the faithful servant you disown Would, in obedience, keep his love unknown, But bright ideas such as you inspire We can no more conceal, than not admire. My heart at home in my own breast did dwell Like humble hermit in a peaceful cell; Unknown and undisturbed it rested there, Stranger alike to hope and to despair, But Love's tumultuous train does now invade The sacred quiet of this hallowed shade. His fatal flames shine out to every eye Like blazing comets in a winter's sky. How can my passion merit your offense That challenges so little recompense? For I am one born only to admire; Too humble e'er to hope, scarce to desire; A thing whose bliss depends upon your will, Who would be proud you'd deign to use him ill. Then give me leave to glory in my chain, My fruitless sighs, and my unpitied pain. Let me but ever love, and ever be Th' example of your power and cruelty. Since so much scorn does in your breast reside, Be more indulgent to its mother, pride; Kill all you strike, and trample on their graves, But own the fates of your neglected slaves: When in the crowd yours undistinguished lies, You give away the triumph of your eyes. Perhaps, obtaining this, you'll think I find More mercy than your anger has designed. But Love has carefully contrived for me The last perfection of misery, For to my state those hopes of common peace Which death affords to every wretch, must cease: My worst of fates attends me in my grave Since, dying, I must be no more your slave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BALLADE OF DEAD LADIES by FRANCOIS VILLON THE FLAG GOES BY by HENRY HOLCOMB BENNETT SOLUTIONS by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN UPON HIS DEPARTURE HENCE by ROBERT HERRICK THE BLACK VULTURE by GEORGE STERLING |