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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE VISIT, by CHARLES COTTON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dark was the silent shade, that hid Last Line: Wounded with everlasting love. Subject(s): Love | |||
I DARK was the silent shade, that hid The fair Castanna from my sight: The night was black (as it had need), That could obscure so great a light. Under the concave of each lid A flaming ball of beauty bright, Wrapped in a charming slumber lay, That else would captivate the day. II (Led by a passionate desire), I boldly did attempt the way; And though my dull eyes wanted fire, My seeing soul knew where she lay, Thus, whilst I blindly did aspire, Fear to displease her made me stay, A doubt too weak for mine intent, I knew she would forgive, and went. III Near to her maiden bed I drew, Blessed in so rare a chance as this; When by her odorous breath I knew I did approach my Love, my Bliss: Then did I eagerly pursue My hopes, and found, and stole a kiss: Such as perhaps Pygmalion took, When cold his ivory love forsook. IV Soft was the sleep sate on her eyes, As softest down, or whitest snow; So gentle rest upon them lies, Happy to charm those beauties so; For which a thousand thousand dies, Or living, live in restless woe; For all that see her killing eye, With love, or admiration die. V Chaste were the thoughts that had the power To make me hazard this offence; I mark'd the sleep, of this fair flower, And found them full of innocence; Wond'ring that hers, who slew each hour, Should have so undisturb'd a sense; But ah! these murders of mankind Fly from her beauty, not her mind. VI Thus, while she sweetly slept, sat I Contemplating the lovely Maid, Of every tear, and every sigh That sallied from my breast, afraid. And now the morning star drew nigh, When, fearing thus to be betray'd, I softly from my nymph did move, Wounded with everlasting Love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE INVENTION OF LOVE by MATTHEA HARVEY TWO VIEWS OF BUSON by ROBERT HASS A LOVE FOR FOUR VOICES: HOMAGE TO FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN by ANTHONY HECHT AN OFFERING FOR PATRICIA by ANTHONY HECHT LATE AFTERNOON: THE ONSLAUGHT OF LOVE by ANTHONY HECHT A SWEETENING ALL AROUND ME AS IT FALLS by JANE HIRSHFIELD AN EPITAPH ON M.H. by CHARLES COTTON LAURA SLEEPING; ODE by CHARLES COTTON RESOLUTION OF A POETICAL QUESTION CONCERNING FOUR RURAL SISTERS: 2 by CHARLES COTTON |
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