Lyric Poems Made in Imitation of the Italians. Of which, many are Translations From other Languages ... By Philip Ayres |
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 | Lyric Poems |  |
12
A Sonnet.
Of LOVE.
If Love it be not, what is this I feel?
If it be Love, what Love is, fain I'd know?
If good, why the effects severe and ill?
If bad, why do its torments please me so?
If it be Love, what Love is, fain I'd know?
If good, why the effects severe and ill?
If bad, why do its torments please me so?
If willingly I burn, should I complain?
If 'gainst my will, what helps it to lament?
Oh living Death! oh most delightful Pain!
How comes all this, if I do not consent?
If 'gainst my will, what helps it to lament?
Oh living Death! oh most delightful Pain!
How comes all this, if I do not consent?
If I consent, 'tis madness then to grieve;
Amidst these storms, in a weak Boat I'm tost
Upon a dangerous Sea, without relief,
No help from Reason, but in Error lost.
Amidst these storms, in a weak Boat I'm tost
Upon a dangerous Sea, without relief,
No help from Reason, but in Error lost.
Which way in this distraction shall I turn?
That freeze in Summer, and in Winter burn.
That freeze in Summer, and in Winter burn.
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