Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE VAIN ADVICE, by CATHERINE TROTTER COCKBURN
First Line: Ah, gaze not on those eyes! Forbear
Last Line: Is too far lost to have the power to fly.

Ah, gaze not on those eyes! forbear
That soft enchanting voice to hear:
Not looks of basilisks give surer death
Nor Syrens sing with more destructive breath.

Fly, if thy freedom thou'dst maintain:
Alas! I feel the advice is vain!
A heart whose safety but in flight does lie,
Is too far lost to have the power to fly.