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THE DISCOVERY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Celia, the faithful servant you disown
Last Line: Since, dying, I must be no more your slave.
Alternate Author Name(s): Rochester, 2d Earl Of
Subject(s): Love


Celia, the faithful servant you disown
Would, in obedience, keep his love unknown,
But bright ideas such as you inspire
We can no more conceal, than not admire.
My heart at home in my own breast did dwell
Like humble hermit in a peaceful cell;
Unknown and undisturbed it rested there,
Stranger alike to hope and to despair,
But Love's tumultuous train does now invade
The sacred quiet of this hallowed shade.
His fatal flames shine out to every eye
Like blazing comets in a winter's sky.
How can my passion merit your offense
That challenges so little recompense?
For I am one born only to admire;
Too humble e'er to hope, scarce to desire;
A thing whose bliss depends upon your will,
Who would be proud you'd deign to use him ill.
Then give me leave to glory in my chain,
My fruitless sighs, and my unpitied pain.
Let me but ever love, and ever be
Th' example of your power and cruelty.
Since so much scorn does in your breast reside,
Be more indulgent to its mother, pride;
Kill all you strike, and trample on their graves,
But own the fates of your neglected slaves:
When in the crowd yours undistinguished lies,
You give away the triumph of your eyes.
Perhaps, obtaining this, you'll think I find
More mercy than your anger has designed.
But Love has carefully contrived for me
The last perfection of misery,
For to my state those hopes of common peace
Which death affords to every wretch, must cease:
My worst of fates attends me in my grave
Since, dying, I must be no more your slave.





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