To this moment a rebel I throw down my arms, Great Love, at first sight of Olinda's bright charms. Make proud and secure by such forces as these, You may now play the tyrant as soon as you please.
When Innocence, Beauty, and Wit do conspire To betray, and engage, and inflame my Desire, Why should I decline what I cannot avoid? And let pleasing Hope by base Fear be destroyed?
Her innocence cannot contrive to undo me, Her beauty's inclined, or why should it pursue me? And Wit has to Pleasure been ever a friend, Then what room for Despair, since Delight is Love's end?
There can be no danger in sweetness and youth, Where Love is secured by good nature and truth; On her beauty I'll gaze and of pleasure complain While every kind look adds a link to my chain.
'Tis more to maintain than it was to surprise, But her Wit leads in triumpth the slave of her eyes; I beheld, with the loss of my freedom before, But hearing, forever must serve and adore.
Too bright is my Goddess, her temple too weak: Retire, divine image! I feel my heart break. Help, Love! I dissolve in a rapture of charms At the thought of those joys I should meet in her arms.
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, was born in 1647 and died in 1680. He was a central figure in the hedonistic court of Charles II. His poetry employs wit, colloquial speech, and often obscene imagery to satirize the moral and intellectual pretensions of his era. Frequently, his personae adopt a skeptical or libertine stance, questioning reason, fidelity, and the possibility of human happiness. His verse ranges from biting satire to tender lyrics. Although most of his work circulated in manuscript, it influenced later development of English satire. Well-known poems include 'A Satyr Against Reason and Mankind' and 'The Imperfect Enjoyment'.
Aprendizaje paso a paso, grabaciones de voz para compartir y recordatorios de repaso.
