Sir Philip Sidney. 1554-86
95. Splendidis longum valedico Nugis
1 min to read
117 words

LEAVE me, O Love, which reachest but to dust, And thou, my mind, aspire to higher things! Grow rich in that which never taketh rust: Whatever fades, but fading pleasure brings. Draw in thy beams, and humble all thy might To that sweet yoke where lasting freedoms be; Which breaks the clouds and opens forth the light That doth both shine and give us sight to see. O take fast hold! let that light be thy guide In this small course which birth draws out to death, And think how evil becometh him to slide Who seeketh Heaven, and comes of heavenly breath.   Then farewell, world! thy uttermost I see:   Eternal Love, maintain thy life in me!

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Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke. 1554-1628
96. Myra
1 min to read
216 words
Return to The Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250–1900






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