work_id,theme,provenance,created_at,text,reviewed_on,id,comments,metaphor,dictionary,updated_at,context
3304,Refinement,"Searching ""mind"" and ""sterling"" in HDIS (Poetry)",2005-04-19 00:00:00 UTC,"This must be then the issue, where our Love,
Does not together with our Nuptials move.
Possessions can't for fickle Joy provide.
When Love the end of Living, is Destroy'd.
Alas! we're all mistaken in the Kind,
A happy Man is measur'd by the Mind.
Suppose him born to all the Pomp of Life;
Admit he's match'd to Beauty in a Wife,
These are but Pageants, which a while may please,
They may Divert him, but procure no Ease.
That Grandeur is no compound of our Bliss,
The rugged Bosoms of the Great confess.
The gilded Monarch's Sable stands within,
His Glory to his Troubles, but a Shrine:
His Cares, his Jealousies, Nocturnal Frights,
Imbitter all his Joys and false Delights.
His toiling Head with Grief a Crown must bear,
Whilst he still starts and grasps, to hold it there.
And thus all Princes to this Hell we trace,
They Reign without, and are but Kings by Place.
But lest ambitious Maids in Scorn relate,
This is the utmost Tyranny of Fate;
That such Seditious disagreeing Pairs,
Are scarcely known in Centuries of Years.
We'll grant, (which yet no less Misfortune breeds)
The Woman loves the Golden Man she Weds.
We'll think she brings with her Estate a Mind,
Pure as her Sterling, from it's Dross Refin'd.
Yet this is so unlikely to succeed,
It Murders what it first design'd to Feed.
He strait concludes her Passion a Pretence,
Condemns her Soul, and lays the Crime on Sense.
Argues, she only chose to be his Bride,
To serve and gratify her costly Pride.
But still we'll give this Topick larger Law,
We'll say an equal Passion both does draw.
We will suppose them both enclin'd to Love.
We'll call her Venus, and we'll stile him Jove;
Yet through the Tides of Business in his Head,
He must neglect, and at length slight her Bed.
His peeping Passion, like a feeble Sun,
Mingled with Show'rs of Rain, will soon be gone.
And if perhaps there's left some poor Remains,
Like Northern Gold, 'tis in penurious Veins.
Diffus'd and scatter'd o'er the barren Land,
Amidst vast heaps of Lead and worthless Sand.
This must be then a sad Reward of Love,
When he thus senseless of her Choice do's prove.
Her Am'rous Courage ne'er can long be bold,
That finds herself out-rival'd by her Gold.
Both their Affections to the Deep are sent,
He sinks through Weight, and she through Discontent.
Their Riches then shew their defect of Pow'r,
That can't create what Want do's oft procure.
In thought of Wealth, he can't Intomb his Smart,
When sullen Love preys on his stubborn Heart.
If crouded Chests and glutted Coffers can
Restore Contentment to the anxious Man;
Possess'd of those, if he from Pain is free,
A troubled, may be call'd a quiet Sea:
Because there's Pearl and Amber on the Shoars,
And thus it's strangely Silenc'd when it Roars.",,8613,•What to do with this sort of sealing.
•I've included twice: Silver and Dross.,"""We'll think she brings with her Estate a Mind, / Pure as her Sterling, from it's Dross Refin'd.""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:33:40 UTC,""
3957,"",Searching in HDIS (Poetry),2005-04-06 00:00:00 UTC,"He paused a while, stood silent in his mood;
For yet his rage was boiling in his blood:
But soon his tender mind the impression felt,
As softest metals are not slow to melt,
And pity soonest runs in gentle minds:
Then reasons with himself; and first he finds
His passion cast a mist before his sense,
And either made, or magnified, the offence.
Offence! of what? to whom? who judged the cause?
The prisoner freed himself by Nature's laws:
Born free, he sought his right; the man he freed
Was perjured, but his love excused the deed:
Thus pondering, he looked under with his eyes,
And saw the women's tears, and heard their cries;
Which moved compassion more: he shook his head,
And softly sighing, to himself he said:--
(p. 598, ll. 328-43)",,10310,"John Dryden. Ed. Keith Walker Oxford and New York: Oxford UP, 1987.","""As softest metals are not slow to melt, / And pity soonest runs in gentle minds:""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:34:53 UTC,Book II
3975,"","Searching ""breast"" and ""steel"" in HDIS (Poetry)",2005-06-13 00:00:00 UTC,"O Soul Seraphick, teach us how we may
Thy Praise adapted to thy worth display:
For who can Merit more? or who enough can pay?
Earth was unworthy thy aspiring view,
Sublimer Objects were reserv'd for you.
Thence nothing mean obtrudes on thy design,
Thy Style is equal to thy Theme Divine,
All Heavenly great, and more than Masculine.
Tho' neither Vernal Bloom, nor Summer's Rose
Their opening Beauties could to Thee disclose:
Tho' Nature's curious Characters which we
Exactly view, were all eras'd to Thee.
Yet Heav'n stood Witness to thy piercing Sight;
Below was Darkness, but Above was Light.
Thy Soul was Brightness all; nor could he stay
In lower Night, and such a want of Day:
But wing'd aloft, from sordid Earth retires
To higher Glory, and his kindred Fires;
Like an unhooded Hawk, who loose to prey,
With open Eyes pursues the Ætherial way.
There, happy Soul, assume thy destin'd place,
And in yon Sphere begin thy glorious race:
That Sphere, which Lucifer did once Disgrace.
Or, if amongst the Laurell'd Heads there be,
A Mansion in the Sky reserv'd for Thee;
There, Ruler of thy Orb, aloft appear,
And rowl with Homer in the brightest Sphere.
To whom Calliope has joyn'd thy Name,
And recompenc'd thy Fortunes with his Fame:
Tho' she (forgive our freedom!) some times flows;
In Lines too rugged, and a-kin to Prose.
When Scope is granted to your Speech and Thought,
Verse with a lively smoothness should be Wrote.
Like some fair Planet thy Majestick Song,
Should move with ease and Sparkle as it rowl'd along.
Like Waller's Muse, who, though inchain'd by Rhyme,
Taught Wondring Poets to keep even Chime.
Harmonious Waller's praise inflames my Breast,
Waller, more sweet and Courtly than the rest
Of Poets, no unmanly Turns pursues,
Rash Errors of an injudicious Muse.
Such Wit, like Lightning, for a while looks gay;
Just gilds the place, and vanishes away.
In one continued blaze he upwards sprung,
Like those Seraphick Flames of which he Sung.
If, Cromwell, he laments thy mighty Fall,
Nature attending Weeps at the great Funeral.
Or if his Muse with joyful Triumph brings,
The Monarch to his ancient Throne; or Sings
Batavians worsted on the Conquer'd Main,
Fleets flying, and Advent'rous Opdam Slain;
Then Rome and Athens to his Song repair,
With Brittish Graces Smiling on his care,
Divinely Charming in a Dress so fair.
As Squadrons in well Marshal'd Order fill,
The Flandrian Plains, and speak no vulgar Skill:
So rank'd is every line, each Sentence such,
No Word is wanting, and no Word's too much.
As Pearls in Gold with their own lustre shine,
The Substance precious, and the Work Divine.
So did his Words his beauteous Thoughts enchase,
Both shone and sparkled with unborrow'd Grace,
A mighty value in a little space.
So the Venusian Clio sung of Old,
When lofty acts in well-chose Phrase she told.
But Rome's aspiring Lyrick mov'd us less,
Sung not so moving, tho' with more success.
O Sacharissa, what could steel thy breast,
To rob the charming Waller of his rest?
To send him murm'ring through the Cypress Grove,
In strains lamenting his Neglected Love.
The attentive Forest did his Grief partake,
And Sympathizing Okes their knotted Branches shake.
Each Nymph, tho' coy, to pity would incline,
And every stubborn Heart was mov'd but Thine.
Hence forth be thou to future Ages known,
Like Niobe, a Monument of Stone.",,10316,•Later version of poem in Poems (1710),"""O Sacharissa, what could steel thy breast, / To rob the charming Waller of his rest?""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:34:53 UTC,""
3956,"","Searching ""steel"" and ""heart"" in HDIS (Drama)",2005-06-13 00:00:00 UTC,"MASSAN.
She goars and wounds me still; and now methinks the whole, composure of my Frame, is alter'd--I tremble and am asham'd to know my self.-- Hah, what did I say I Trembl'd, 'tis impossible, can my Heart tremble, that is steel'd with Power? Trembling implies a Fear; what can I fear, that have unquestion'd Power to command all, and can enjoy what e'er that Power possesses:--Agen--there's no looking on her, I'm all o'er Flame o'th' sudden:-- Well, 'tis but ask and have, I'll send her word I like her, and if she prove peevish, fright her a little with her Lord's Proscription and she yields presently.-- Rock, come hither, Thou saw'st that weeping Woman there.",,10318,"","""Hah, what did I say I Trembl'd, 'tis impossible, can my Heart tremble, that is steel'd with Power?""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:34:53 UTC,"Act III, scene i"
3977,"","Searching ""steel"" and ""heart"" in HDIS (Drama)",2005-06-13 00:00:00 UTC,"AUR.
Learn of me ye withering Blossoms of distress'd Nobility, how to defie the Ills of Destiny, and worst of Fortune's, Malice. Steel your Hearts with Honour first; then with Generous Resolution; and let Aurelia nobly guide your Steps into the Temple of Perpetual Glory, by a brave Deed irksome to our soft Natures: Yet Portia and Great Sophonisba were our fam'd Examples, and when Lawless Power, and Savage fury threatens with Captivity, when that hour comes, mark me ye Twinns of Vertue when you behold my Conquer'd Spirits faint, with a bright Dagger drench'd in my warm Gore, or my Eyes languish with some Poysonous Draught, which my own hand has nobly ministred.--
Then chuse your fate equal in each degree,
Scorn poor Rebellious Rage, and die like me.",,10319,"","""Steel your Hearts with Honour first; then with Generous Resolution; and let Aurelia nobly guide your Steps into the Temple of Perpetual Glory""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:34:53 UTC,"Act I, scene i"
3997,"","Searching ""heart"" and ""silver"" in HDIS (Poetry)",2005-04-17 00:00:00 UTC,"Could pious Paul desire that dreadful State,
To be anathemiz'd, or separate
From Jesus Christ, his high esteemed Lord,
For Isr'elites, to whom the Heavenly Word,
The Promises and Law, did appertain,
The People unto whom the Cov'nants came,
His Kindred in the Flesh? Then how can I
Be unconcern'd for thee, my near Ally?
No, no; for Love, the Universal Love,
Which tenderly doth visit from above,
Desires the good of all; takes no delight
That Sinners die in Sin, but doth invite
All to return to Him, and Live; for He
Hath promis'd their Iniquity shall be
Forgotten, they in Righteousness shall live;
And He, to them that overcomes, will give
A Crown of Life; yea, they shall splendidly
Be cloath'd with Robes of Immortality.
Consider well these things, my Friend, and learn
To know what chiefly is thy great Concern;
That Noble Off-spring of the Deity,
Why should it be seduc'd with Vanity?
O come, and in true lowliness of Mind,
Receive Instruction! Seek, and ye shall find,
Is a Sufficient Warrant to begin
To seek the piece of Silver, hid within
The House, thy Heart; Redeem thy precious Time,
And find it out. O let thy Mind incline
Unto the Voice, that doth in secret say,
As one behind thee, This is Wisdom's Way,
Walk in it; this will lead to lasting Joys;
Despise them not for transitory Toys.
Aim'st thou at Honour? Know, a sudden Puff
Blasts it, and often leaves a Stinking Snuff.
Ah, see'st thou not, that here all vain Renown
Is dash'd and disannulled with a Frown?
Seek Honour from above, and fear the Lord,
And hearken to his holy living Word,
Hid in thy Heart, that frequently reproves:
Wisdom rebukes, and chastens whom she loves.
But where there's no Reproof, there's cause of fear,
Lest that the Holy One cease striving there:
Such may too late bewail themselves, and say,
O that I might be spar'd another Day!
What can a wounded Spirit satiate,
When Soul and Body must be separate?
Whilst therefore Time doth unto thee remain,
Take up the Cross, and own that holy Name,
Christ crucify'd, and risen from the Grave,
Whose Life's the Light of Men, that comes to save.
But what avails to read the History!
In silence learn to know the Mystery:
For inwardly the Heart's defil'd with Sin,
Therefore Salvation must be wrought within,
By that which humbles, and that boweth down
To Judgment; first the Cross, and then the Crown.
The Word is as a Fire to purify
The Heart of Man from all Iniquity,
Before it be a Word of Consolation,
And bring the Soul glad tidings of Salvation.
All this (I hope) thou know'st; but he that knows it
Is not thereby approv'd, but he that does it:
The Doer of the Word is Justify'd,
Because he by the same is Sanctify'd.
Slight not the day of small things, lest there be
Greater with-holden and conceal'd from thee.
Was it not said, when Ephr'im was a Child,
I loved him (that's lowly, meek, and mild?)
O be not high and lofty, but come down,
With quick Zacheus, if thou'lt gain the Crown
Of Life and Peace! Hark, doth not Jesus say,
Salvation's come unto thy House this day?
If thou'lt receive it, cast it not away.
1680.
(pp. 100-1, ll. 1-73)",,10378,"•Lots of inwardness in this poem. Silver, Voice, living Word (all in the heart)","""To seek the piece of Silver, hid within / The House, thy Heart; Redeem thy precious Time, / And find it out.""",Metal,2009-09-14 19:34:56 UTC,I've included the entire poem
3999,Inwardness; Refinement,"Searching ""heart"" and ""dross"" in HDIS (Poetry)",2005-07-19 00:00:00 UTC,"O love! Thou Substance of the Royal Law,
Let thy sweet Influencing Power draw
Our troubled Hearts, in true Humility,
To wait on thee with holy Fervency:
For thou our Souls hast often visited,
That we might, by thy tender hand, be led
From Darkness unto Light; from Enmity,
Strife and Contention, unto Unity,
In Undefiled, in Unfeigned Love;
Which, tho' it may in Gentleness reprove,
Or otherwise instruct, it covers all
Faults and Offences; yea, if any fall
Through Weakness, it bears up with ready Hand,
And lends a Shoulder, till such learn to stand,
And walk more strongly: For it joys to see
Brethren to dwell in perfect Unity,
Only Contending who may most be found
In Lowliness, that Love may more abound.
But, ah, 'tis Hatred, Wrath, Revenge, and Strife,
Discovers Faults, strikes at the very Life;
Provoking oft one seeming Friend or Brother,
To bite, despise, if not devour another,
For empty Trifles; so that Vanity
Becomes Vexatious, and Perplexity
Of Spirit: For, as well observ'd by one,
All things are Vanity below the Sun;
The Sun of Righteousness, which when it shines
With its Resplendent Conqu'ring Ray, refines
The drossy Nature; rightly purifies
The Heart, consuming all Impurities;
Whereby, at last, the Enmity is slain,
And Love exalted over all to Reign.
Great Prince of Peace! Instruct our Souls to wait
To be Establish'd in this happy State;
Where Joys abound, and Enmity does cease,
And Charity withal doth still increase;
That, with thy dear Redeemed Ones, we may
Walk Hand in Hand in Sion's blessed Way;
Where no Iniquity can e'er be found,
Nor Love wax cold, but more and more abound;
Yea, Love that thinks no Evil, but doth seek
The Good of all, and teacheth to be meek;
Not easily provoked, but in Peace
With all: Here Happiness shall still increase.
Then may our cheerful Souls triumph, and sing
Pure, holy, living Praise to Salem's King.
1679.",,10380,"","""The Sun of Righteousness, which when it shines / With its Resplendent Conqu'ring Ray, refines / The drossy Nature; rightly purifies / The Heart, consuming all Impurities.""","",2009-09-14 19:34:56 UTC,I've included the entire poem
7548,"",C-H Lion,2013-07-17 04:11:40 UTC,"ARPASIA.
A little longer yet, be strong, my Heart,
A little longer let the busy Spirits
Keep on their chearful round.--It won'ot be:
Love, Sorrow, and the Sting of vile Reproach,
Succeeding one another in their Course,
Like Drops of Eating Water on the Marble,
At length have worn my boasted Courage down.
I will indulge the Woman in my Soul,
And give a loose to Tears, and to Impatience;
Death is at last my due, and I will have it.--
And see, the poor Moneses comes to take
One sad Adieu, and then we part for ever.
(IV.i, p. 54)",,21853,"","""Love, Sorrow, and the Sting of vile Reproach, / Succeeding one another in their Course, / Like Drops of Eating Water on the Marble, / At length have worn my boasted Courage down.""","",2013-07-17 04:11:40 UTC,"Act IV, scene i"
7842,"",ECCO-TCP,2014-03-12 18:05:34 UTC,"PLACENTIA.
Oh! Bassino! Bassino!
Oh! wretched Woman! Oh! that I had dy'd
E'er I had known him false: Then I were happy:
And tho' contented with his second Choice,
He with a pitying Sigh, perhaps, had grac'd
My Memory--
Oh! all ye Powers that virtuous Love inspire,
Assist me now: inform my Vocal Organs
With Angel Eloquence, such as can melt
His Heart of Flint, and move his former Kindness.
(Aside.)
But if that fail, I will remove the Cause
Of both our Woes--Yes, that happy Charmer,
That Rival of my Love shall surely die.
ARMANDO.
Doubt not of the Success: What Heart of Steel
Could ere resist such Beauty drest in Tears?
(pp. 46-7)",,23662,"","""Oh! all ye Powers that virtuous Love inspire, / Assist me now: inform my Vocal Organs / With Angel Eloquence, such as can melt / His Heart of Flint, and move his former Kindness.""","",2014-03-12 18:05:34 UTC,""
7842,"","Searching ""heart"" and ""steel"" in ECCO-TCP",2014-03-12 18:06:30 UTC,"PLACENTIA.
Oh! Bassino! Bassino!
Oh! wretched Woman! Oh! that I had dy'd
E'er I had known him false: Then I were happy:
And tho' contented with his second Choice,
He with a pitying Sigh, perhaps, had grac'd
My Memory--
Oh! all ye Powers that virtuous Love inspire,
Assist me now: inform my Vocal Organs
With Angel Eloquence, such as can melt
His Heart of Flint, and move his former Kindness.
(Aside.)
But if that fail, I will remove the Cause
Of both our Woes--Yes, that happy Charmer,
That Rival of my Love shall surely die.
ARMANDO.
Doubt not of the Success: What Heart of Steel
Could ere resist such Beauty drest in Tears?
(pp. 46-7)",,23663,"","""What Heart of Steel / Could ere resist such Beauty drest in Tears?""",Metal,2014-03-12 18:07:00 UTC,""