THE MESSAGE.
by John Donne


SEND home my long stray'd eyes to me,
Which, O ! too long have dwelt on thee ;
Yet since there they have learn'd such ill,
       Such forced fashions,
       And false passions,
              That they be
              Made by thee
Fit for no good sight, keep them still.

Send home my harmless heart again,
Which no unworthy thought could stain ;
Which if it be taught by thine
       To make jestings
       Of protestings,
              And break both
              Word and oath,
Keep it, for then 'tis none of mine.

Yet send me back my heart and eyes,
That I may know, and see thy lies,
And may laugh and joy, when thou
       Art in anguish
       And dost languish
              For some one
              That will none,
Or prove as false as thou art now.




Source:
Donne, John. Poems of John Donne. vol I.
E. K. Chambers, ed.
London: Lawrence & Bullen, 1896. 43-44.


to John Donne


Copyright © 1996-2014 Anniina Jokinen. All Rights Reserved.
Created by Anniina Jokinenon August 13, 1998. Last updated July 12, 2014.