A Lecture Upon The Shadow
- Stand still, and I will read to thee
- A lecture, Love, in Love's philosophy.
- These three hours that we have spent,
- Walking here, two shadows went
- Along with us, which we ourselves produc'd.
- But, now the sun is just above our head,
- We do those shadows tread,
- And to brave clearness all things are reduc'd.
- So whilst our infant loves did grow,
- Disguises did, and shadows, flow
- From us and our cares; but now 'tis not so.
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- That love hath not attain'd the highest degree,
- Which is still diligent lest others see.
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- Except our loves at this noon stay,
- We shall new shadows make the other way.
- As the first were made to blind
- Others, these which come behind
- Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.
- If our loves faint, and westerwardly decline,
- To me thou, falsely, thine
- And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.
- The morning shadows wear away,
- But these grow longer all the day;
- But O! love's day is short, if love decay.
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- Love is a growing, or full constant light,
- And his short minute, after noon, is night.
From: Songs and Sonnets, 1633.
- --oOo-- -