Gateway to the Classics: Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 3 by Arthur Quiller-Couch
 
Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 3 by  Arthur Quiller-Couch

Song

Love in fantastic triumph sate

Whilst bleeding hearts around him flow'd,

For whom fresh pains he did create

And strange tyrannic power he show'd:

From thy bright eyes he took his fires,

Which round about in sport he hurl'd;

But 'twas from mine he took desires

Enough t' undo the amorous world.


From me he took his sighs and tears,

From thee his pride and cruelty;

From me his languishments and fears,

And every killing dart from thee.

Thus thou and I the god have arm'd

And set him up a deity;

But my poor heart alone is harm'd,

Whilst thine the victor is, and free!

— Aphra Behn
1640–1689   


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