Love

On a Fan of the Author's Design: Imitation of Waller

by Alexander Pope 1688–1744

From Imitations of English Poets

Love

'Come, gentle Air!' the Aeolian shepherd said,
While Procris panted in the secret shade;
'Come, gentle Air!' the fairer Delia cries,
While at her feet her swain expiring lies.
Lo! the glad gales o'er all her beauties stray,
Breathe on her lips, and in her bosom play!
In Delia's hand this toy is fatal found,
Nor could that fabled dart more surely wound:
Both gifts destructive to the givers prove;
Alike both lovers fall by those they love.
Yet guiltless too this bright destroyer lives,
At random wounds, nor knows the wound she gives:
She views the story with attentive eyes,
And pities Procris, while her lover dies.

MLA

Pope, Alexander. “On a Fan of the Author's Design: Imitation of Waller.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/pope/22/.

Chicago

Pope, Alexander. “On a Fan of the Author's Design: Imitation of Waller.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/pope/22/.

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