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THE THRALDOME, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I came, I saw, and was undone
Last Line: Employ me, mighty love, to digge the mine.
Subject(s): Love


1.

I Came, I saw, and was undone;
The Light'ning did through my bones and marrow run;
A poynted paine pierc't deep my heart;
A swift cold trembling seiz'd on every part;
My head turn'd round, nor could it beare
The Poyson that was enter'd there.

2.

So a destroying Angell's breath
Blowes in the Plague, and with it hasty Death.
Such was the paine, did so beginne
To the poore wretch, when Legion entred in.
Forgive me, God, I cri'd; for I
Flatter'd my selfe I was to dye.

3.

But quickly to my Cost I found,
'Twas cruell Love, not Death, had made the wound:
Death a more gen'rous rage does use;
Quarter to all he conquers does refuse.
Whilst Love with barbarous mercy saves
The vanquisht lives, to make them slaves.

4.

I am thy slave then; let me know,
Hard Master, the great Taske I have to doe:
Who pride and scorne doe undergoe,
In tempests and rough Seas thy Galleys row;
They pant, and groane, and sigh, but finde
Their sighs encrease the angry winde.

5.

Like an AEgyptian Tyrant, some
Thou weariest out, in building but a Tombe.
Others, with sad and tedious art,
Labour i' th' Quarries of a stony heart;
Of all the Workes thou dost assigne,
To all the severall slaves of thine,
Employ me, mighty Love, to digge the Mine.





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