APHRA BEHN 1640–1689
Reading edition
SONG, FROM ABDELAZAR
Love in fantastic triumph sat, Whilst bleeding hearts around him flowed, For whom fresh pains he did create; And strange tyrannic power he showed. From thy bright eyes he took his fires, Which round about in sport he hurled; But ’twas from mine he took desires Enough to undo the amorous world.
From me he took his sighs and tears, From thee his pride and cruelty; From me his languishment and fears, And every killing dart from thee. Thus thou and I the god have armed, And set him up a deity; But my poor heart alone is harmed, Whilst thine the victor is, and free.