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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MOUNT OF OLIVES (2), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When first I saw true beauty, and thy joys
Last Line: That these may be thy praise, and my joy too.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist


When first I saw true beauty, and thy joys
Active as light, and calm without all noise
Shined on my soul, I felt through all my powers
Such a rich air of sweets, as evening showers
Fanned by a gentle gale convey and breathe
On some parched bank, crowned with a flow'ry wreath;
Odours, and myrrh, and balm in one rich flood
O'er-ran my heart, and spirited my blood,
My thoughts did swim in comforts, and mine eye
Confessed, The world did only paint and lie.
And where before I did no safe course steer
But wandered under tempests all the year,
Went bleak and bare in body as in mind,
And was blown through by ev'ry storm and wind,
I am so warmed now by this glance on me,
That, midst all storms I feel a ray of thee;
So have I known some beauteous paisage rise
In sudden flowers and arbours to my eyes,
And in the depth and dead of winter bring
To my cold thoughts a lively sense of spring.
Thus fed by thee, who dost all beings nourish,
My withered leafs again look green and flourish,
I shine and shelter underneath thy wing
Where sick with love I strive thy name to sing,
Thy glorious name! which grant I may so do
That these may be thy praise, and my joy too.





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