"I'th' worst of Prisons I'll my Body bind, / Rather than Chain my free-born mind, / For such a foolish Toy."
— Shadwell, Thomas (1642-1692)
Author
Work Title
Place of Publication
Printed by T. N. for Henry Herringman
Publisher
London
Date
May 25, 1676
Metaphor
"I'th' worst of Prisons I'll my Body bind, / Rather than Chain my free-born mind, / For such a foolish Toy."
Metaphor in Context
CLARINDA
But now let's hear it--
Song.
How wretched is the Slave to Love,
Who can no real pleasures prove;
For still they're mixt with pain:
When not obtain'd, restless is the desire.
Enjoyment puts out all the fire,
And shows the Love was vain.
It wanders to another soon,
Wanes and Encreases like the Moon,
And like her never rests:
Brings Tides of Pleasure now, and then of Tears;
Makes Ebbs and Flows of Joys and Cares,
In Lovers wavering breasts.
But spight of Love I will be free,
And triumph in the liberty
I without him enjoy.
I'th' worst of Prisons I'll my Body bind,
Rather than Chain my free-born mind,
For such a foolish Toy.
But now let's hear it--
Song.
How wretched is the Slave to Love,
Who can no real pleasures prove;
For still they're mixt with pain:
When not obtain'd, restless is the desire.
Enjoyment puts out all the fire,
And shows the Love was vain.
It wanders to another soon,
Wanes and Encreases like the Moon,
And like her never rests:
Brings Tides of Pleasure now, and then of Tears;
Makes Ebbs and Flows of Joys and Cares,
In Lovers wavering breasts.
But spight of Love I will be free,
And triumph in the liberty
I without him enjoy.
I'th' worst of Prisons I'll my Body bind,
Rather than Chain my free-born mind,
For such a foolish Toy.
Categories
Provenance
Searching "mind" and "chain" in HDIS (Drama)
Citation
Thomas Shadwell, The Virtuoso. A Comedy. Acted at the Duke's Theatre. Written by Thomas Shadwell (London: Printed by T. N. for Henry Herringman, 1676).
Date of Entry
07/27/2011
