John Donne (1572-1631)
A Lecture upon the Shadow
1Stand still, and I will read to thee
2A lecture, love, in love's philosophy.
3 These three hours that we have spent,
4 Walking here, two shadows went
5Along with us, which we ourselves produc'd.
6But, now the sun is just above our head,
7 We do those shadows tread,
8 And to brave clearness all things are reduc'd.
9So whilst our infant loves did grow,
10Disguises did, and shadows, flow
11From us, and our cares; but now 'tis not so.
12That love has not attain'd the high'st degree,
13Which is still diligent lest others see.
14Except our loves at this noon stay,
15We shall new shadows make the other way.
16 As the first were made to blind
17 Others, these which come behind
18Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.
19If our loves faint, and westwardly decline,
20 To me thou, falsely, thine,
21 And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.
22The morning shadows wear away,
23But these grow longer all the day;
24But oh, love's day is short, if love decay.
25Love is a growing, or full constant light,
26And his first minute, after noon, is night.
Notes
8] brave: splendid.
Online text copyright © 2009, Ian Lancashire (the Department of English) and the University of Toronto.
Published by the Web Development Group, Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Libraries.
Original text: John Donne, Poems, 2nd edition. (M. F. for J. Marriot, 1635). STC 7046. stc Fisher Rare Book Library (Toronto).
First publication date:
1635
RPO poem editor: N. J. Endicott
RP edition: 3RP 1.174.
Recent editing: 4:2002/2/5
Rhyme: aabbcddceee
Other poems by John Donne
