To His Mistress Going to Bed by John Donne: Full Poem, Summary, Line-by-Line Analysis & Meaning

Table of Contents J ohn Donne does not whisper when he wants something. In “To His Mistress Going to Bed” he speaks with the urgency of a man who has already decided the night will end one way. Written in the 1590s, long before he became a preacher, the poem is one of the boldest seduction pieces in English. It is frank, witty, and almost breathless in its progress from clothed body to naked discovery. The Complete Poem Come, Madam, come, all rest my powers defy, Until I labour, I in labour lie. The foe oft-times having the foe in sight, Is tir’d with standing though he never fight. Off with that girdle, like heaven’s Zone glistering, But a far fairer world encompassing. Unpin that spangled breastplate which you wear, That th’eyes of busy fools may be stopped there. Unlace yourself, for that harmonious chime Tells me from you that now it is bed time. Off with that happy busk, which I envy, That still can be, and still can stand so nigh. Your gown going off, such beauteous state reveals, A…