On My Birthday July 21

Read 'On My Birthday July 21' by 'Matthew Prior' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

On My Birthday July 21 by Matthew Prior

 I, MY dear, was born to-day-- 
So all my jolly comrades say: 
They bring me music, wreaths, and mirth, 
And ask to celebrate my birth: 
Little, alas! my comrades know 
That I was born to pain and woe; 
To thy denial, to thy scorn, 
Better I had ne'er been born: 
I wish to die, even whilst I say-- 
'I, my dear, was born to-day.' 
I, my dear, was born to-day: 
Shall I salute the rising ray, 
Well-spring of all my joy and woe? 
Clotilda, thou alone dost know. 
Shall the wreath surround my hair? 
Or shall the music please my ear? 
Shall I my comrades' mirth receive, 
And bless my birth, and wish to live? 
Then let me see great Venus chase 
Imperious anger from thy face; 
Then let me hear thee smiling say-- 
'Thou, my dear, wert born to-day.'

Form: Lyric

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