by Keats · Cluster: Transience · Decay · Carpe Diem

Abstract

A tender consolatory lyric urging a weeping beloved not to grieve over a fleeting bliss, proposing a dirge of kisses; transience, love, grief and consolation.

Connections

Topoi: Carpe Diem Motifs: Mutability, Eyes and Sight Themes & Concepts: Transience, Grief and Loss, Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Lyric

Testo integrale / Full text

Think not of it, sweet one, so; -
Give it not a tear;
Sigh thou mayst, and bid it go
Any - anywhere.

Do not look so sad, sweet one, —
Sad and fadingly;
Shed one drop, then it is gone,
O ’twas born to die.

Still so pale? then dearest weep;
Weep, I’ll count the tears,
And each one shall be a bliss
For thee in after years.

Brighter has it left thine eyes
Than a sunny rill;
And thy whispering melodies
Are tenderer still.

Yet - as all things mourn awhile
At fleeting blisses,
Let us too! but be our dirge
A dirge of kisses.
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