The Storm

 If as the winds and waters here below 
Do fly and flow, 
My sighs and tears as busy were above;
Sure they would move 
And much affect thee, as tempestuous times 
Amaze poor mortals, and object their crimes. 

Stars have their storms, ev'n in a high degree,
As well as we. 
A throbbing conscience spurred by remorse
Hath a strange force: 
It quits the earth, and mounting more and more, 
Dares to assault, and besiege thy door. 

There it stands knocking, to thy musick's wrong,
And drowns the song. 
Glory and honour are set by till it 
An answer get. 
Poets have wrong'd poor storms: such days are best; 
They purge the air without, within the breast.

Form: Heroic Couplet Comments

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace