Death & Dying

The Retreat.

by Henry King 1592–1669

Death & Dying

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.

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/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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