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“Each spring do add to love new heat,
As princes do in times of action get
New taxes, and remit them not in peace”(John Donne)
John Donne was a master of the 'metaphysical' school of poetry, which included philosophical reflections on love such as this one. He wrote long ago in the days before standardised spelling even existed - when words could be spelled however you wished, to fit your own rhymes - so I prefer to read versions of his poetry with his original spelling, unlike the poem below, which has been corrected to modern spelling standards. To give an example, he might spell ecstasy as extasie. . . to me the first spelling (correct by modern standards) appears too domesticated, too tame and cultivated; whereas the latter appears more direct and emotional in its spelling, with a straight-cut 'x' and an open-ended 'ie'. So I enjoy this richness of poetic language where words can be perceived in new ways when given new spellings! When I locate a version of the poem below which has not been adulterated by modern spelling practices, I'll post it here. . . – Simon Rees, March 2007
Loves Growth
John Donne
I scarce believe my love to be so pure
As I had thought it was,
Because it doth endure
Vicissitude, and season, as the grass;
Methinks I lied all winter, when I swore
My love was infinite, if spring make it more.
But if this medicine, love, which cures all sorrow
With more, not only be no quintessence,
But mix'd of all stuffs, vexing soul, or sense,
And of the sun his active vigour borrow,
Love’s not so pure, and abstract as they use
To say, which have no mistress but their Muse;
But as all else, being elemented too,
Love sometimes would contemplate, sometimes do.
And yet no greater, but more eminent,
Love by the spring is grown;
As in the firmament
Stars by the sun are not enlarged, but shown,
Gentle love deeds, as blossoms on a bough,
From love's awakened root do bud out now.
If, as in water stirr'd more circles be
Produced by one, love such additions take,
Those like so many spheres but one heaven make,
For they are all concentric unto thee;
And though each spring do add to love new heat,
As princes do in times of action get
New taxes, and remit them not in peace,
No winter shall abate this spring’s increase.
Sister Sites Maintained as Educational Resources by the Same Authors:
Link to: FCT World - Resources on the Unique & Powerful System of Medicine called Field Control Therapy Link to: Key Toxins - Exclusive Articles, Info & Interviews about Toxicity, the World's Most Pressing Issue
Link to: Tibetan Pulsing World - Resources on the Transformative System of Yoga & Meditation called Tibetan Pulsing Link to: Deep Energy Healing - Resources on Different Therapies, the Nature of Healing and the Future of Medicine
© Copyright 2007 Simon Rees, Kevin Eakins and SYY Integrated Health Systems, Ltd. Disclaimer: The information at this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content of this website comprises only the observations and opinions of the authors and contributors: it does not constitute medical advice to readers.