Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DEFIANCE; SONG, by THOMAS FLATMAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DEFIANCE; SONG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Be not too proud, imperious dame
Last Line: Th' usurper death will make thee lay it down.
Subject(s): Mortality; Transience; Impermanence


Be not too proud, imperious Dame,
Your charms are transitory things,
May melt, while you at Heaven aim,
Like Icarus's Waxen Wings;
And you a part in his misfortune bear,
Drown'd in a briny Ocean of despair.
Your think your beauties are above,
The Poets Brain, and Painters Hand,
As if upon the Throne of Love
You only should the World command:
Yet know, though you presume your title true,
There are pretenders, that will Rival you.
There's an experienc'd Rebel, Time,
And in his Squadrons Poverty;
There's Age that brings along with him
A terrible Artillery:
And if against all these thou keep'st thy Crown,
Th' Usurper Death will make thee lay it down.






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