A Lecture Upon the Shadow

A lecture upon the shadow

Ceci est une leçon sur l'amour de John Donne

Stand still, and I will read to thee

A lecture, love, in love's philosophy

These three hours that we have spent

Walking here, two shadows went

Along with us, which we ourselves produc'd

But, now the sun is just above our head

We do those shadows tread

And to brave clearness all things are reduc'd

So whilst our infant loves did grow

Disguises did, and shadows, flow

From us, and our cares; but now 'tis not so

That love has not attain'd the high'st degree

Which is still diligent lest others see

Except our loves at this noon stay

We shall new shadows make the other way

As the first were made to blind

Others, these which come behind

Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes

If our loves faint, and westwardly decline

To me thou, falsely, thine

And I to thee mine actions shall disguise

The morning shadows wear away

But these grow longer all the day

But oh, love's day is short, if love decay

That love has not attain'd the high'st degree

Which is still diligent lest others see

Love is a growing, or full constant light

And his first minute, after noon, is night