Death & Dying
The Retreat.
PUrsue no more (my thoughts!) that false unkind,
You may assoon imprison the North-wind;
Or catch the Lightning as it leaps; or reach
The leading billow first ran down the breach;
Or undertake the …lying clouds to track
In the same path they yesterday did rack.
Then, like a Torch turn'd downward, let the same
Desire which nourisht it, put out your flame.
Loe thus I doe d…vorce thee from my brest,
False to thy vow, and traitour to my rest!
Henceforth thy tears shall be (though thou repent)
Like pardons after execution sent.
Nor shalt thou ever my loves story read,
But as some Epitaph of what is dead.
So may my hope on future blessings dwell,
As 'tis my firm resolve and last farewell.
Cite this poem
MLA
King, Henry. “The Retreat.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/king/18/.
Chicago
King, Henry. “The Retreat.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/king/18/.
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