Michael Drayton
Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part
or, "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" -- circa 1620
The following is a well-known poem (in what form?) by contemporary of
Shakespeare's, Michael Drayton. It's enjoyable, easy to relate to I'd guess
despite the centuries in between, notable for its use of its form, for its
use of personification, and above all for its vividly *spoken* quality.
*Tone* is a major focus of interest here.
Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part.
Nay, I have done, you get no more of me.
And I am glad, yea glad with all my heart
That thus so cleanly I myself can free.
Shake hands forever, cancel all our vows,
And when we meet at any time again,
Be it not seen in either of our brows
That we one jot of former love retain.
Now at the last gasp of Love's latest breath,
When, his pulse failing, Passion speechless lies,
When Faith is kneeling by his bed of death,
And Innocence is closing up his eyes --
Now, if thou wouldst, when all have given him over,
From death to life thou mightst him yet recover.
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