To His Dear Brother Colonel F. L. [Mourning My Brother]

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Title:     To His Dear Brother Colonel F. L. [Mourning My Brother]
Author: Richard Lovelace [More Titles by Lovelace]

IMMODERATELY MOURNING MY BROTHER<1> UNTIMELY DEATH AT CARMARTHEN.

I.
If tears could wash the ill away,
A pearle for each wet bead I'd pay;
But as dew'd corne the fuller growes,
So water'd eyes but swell our woes.

II.
One drop another cals, which still
(Griefe adding fuell) doth distill;
Too fruitfull of her selfe is anguish,
We need no cherishing to languish.

III.
Coward fate degen'rate man
Like little children uses, when
He whips us first, untill we weep,
Then, 'cause we still a weeping keep.

IV.
Then from thy firme selfe never swerve;
Teares fat the griefe that they should sterve;
Iron decrees of destinie
Are ner'e wipe't out with a wet eye.

V.
But this way you may gaine the field,
Oppose but sorrow, and 'twill yield;
One gallant thorough-made resolve
Doth starry influence dissolve.

Note:

<1> Thomas Lovelace.

[The end]
Richard Lovelace's poem: To His Dear Brother Colonel F. L. [Mourning My Brother]

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