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Classic Poetry Series

Ben Jonson
- poems -
Publication Date:
2012
Publisher:
PoemHunter.Com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive
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Ben Jonson (11 June 1572 6 August 1637)
BenjaminJonsonwasanEnglishRenaissancedramatist,poetandactor.A
contemporaryofWilliamShakespeare,heisbestknownforhissatirical
plays,particularlyVolpone,TheAlchemist,andBartholomewFair,whichare
consideredhisbest,andhislyricpoems.Amanofvastreadinganda
seeminglyinsatiableappetiteforcontroversy,Jonsonhadanunparalleled
breadthofinfluenceonJacobeanandCarolineplaywrightsandpoets.
Poetry
Jonson'spoetry,likehisdrama,isinformedbyhisclassicallearning.Someof
hisbetter-knownpoemsareclosetranslationsofGreekorRomanmodels;all
displaythecarefulattentiontoformandstylethatoftencamenaturallyto
thosetrainedinclassicsinthehumanistmanner.Jonson,however,largely
avoidedthedebatesaboutrhymeandmeterthathadconsumedElizabethan
classicistssuchasCampionandHarvey.Acceptingbothrhymeandstress,
Jonsonusesthemtomimictheclassicalqualitiesofsimplicity,restraint,and
precision.
Epigrams(publishedinthe1616folio)isanentryinagenrethatwas
popularamonglate-ElizabethanandJacobeanaudiences,althoughJonson
wasperhapstheonlypoetofhistimetoworkinitsfullclassicalrange.The
epigramsexplorevariousattitudes,mostbutnotallofthemfromthesatiric
stockoftheday:complaintsagainstwomen,courtiers,andspiesabound.
Thecondemnatorypoemsareshortandanonymous;Jonsonsepigramsof
praise,includingafamouspoemtoCamdenandlinestoLucyHarington,are
somewhatlongerandmostlyaddressedtospecificindividuals.Althoughitis
anepigramintheclassicalsenseofthegenre,"OnMyFirstSon"isneither
satiricalnorveryshort;thepoem,andotherslikeit,resemblewhatalater
agesometimescalled"lyricpoetry."ThepoemsofTheForestalso
appearedinthefirstfolio.Mostofthefifteenpoemsareaddressedto
Jonsonsaristocraticsupporters,butthemostfamousarehiscountry-house
poemToPenshurstandthepoemToCelia(Come,myCelia,letus
prove)thatappearsalsoinVolpone.
Underwood,publishedintheexpandedfolioof1640,isalargerandmore
heterogeneousgroupofpoems.ItcontainsACelebrationofCharis,
Jonsonsmostextendedeffortatlovepoetry;variousreligiouspieces;
encomiasticpoemsincludingthepoemtoShakespeareandasonnetonMary
Wroth;theExecrationagainstVulcanandothers.The1640volumealso
containsthreeelegieswhichhaveoftenbeenascribedtoDonne(oneofthem
appearedinDonnesposthumouscollectedpoems).
RelationshipwithShakespeare
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TherearemanylegendsaboutJonson'srivalrywithShakespeare,someof
whichmaybetrue.Drummondreportsthatduringtheirconversation,
JonsonscoffedattwoapparentabsurditiesinShakespeare'splays:a
nonsensicallineinJuliusCaesar,andthesettingofTheWinter'sTaleonthe
non-existentseacoastofBohemia.DrummondalsoreportedJonsonas
sayingthatShakespeare"wanted[i.e.,lacked]art."WhetherDrummondis
viewedasaccurateornot,thecommentsfitwellwithJonson'swell-known
theoriesaboutliterature.
InTimber,whichwaspublishedposthumouslyandreflectshislifetimeof
practicalexperience,Jonsonoffersafullerandmoreconciliatorycomment.
HerecallsbeingtoldbycertainactorsthatShakespeareneverblotted(i.e.,
crossedout)alinewhenhewrote.Hisownresponse,"Wouldhehadblotted
athousand,"wastakenasmalicious.However,Jonsonexplains,"Hewas,
indeed,honest,andofanopenandfreenature,hadanexcellentphantasy,
bravenotions,andgentleexpressions,whereinheflowedwiththatfacility
thatsometimesitwasnecessaryheshouldbestopped".Jonsonconcludes
that"therewasevermoreinhimtobepraisedthantobepardoned."Also
whenShakespearediedhesaid"Hewasnotofanage,butforalltime."
ThomasFullerrelatesstoriesofJonsonandShakespeareengagingindebates
intheMermaidTavern;FullerimaginesconversationsinwhichShakespeare
wouldrunringsaroundthemorelearnedbutmoreponderousJonson.That
thetwomenkneweachotherpersonallyisbeyonddoubt,notonlybecause
ofthetoneofJonson'sreferencestohimbutbecauseShakespeare's
companyproducedanumberofJonson'splays,atleastoneofwhich(Every
ManinhisHumour)Shakespearecertainlyactedin.However,itisnow
impossibletotellhowmuchpersonalcommunicationtheyhad,andtalesof
theirfriendshipcannotbesubstantiated.
Jonson'smostinfluentialandrevealingcommentaryonShakespeareisthe
secondofthetwopoemsthathecontributedtotheprefatoryversethat
opensShakespeare'sFirstFolio.Thispoem,"Tothememoryofmybeloved,
TheAUTHOR,Mr.WilliamShakespeare:Andwhathehathleftus,"dida
gooddealtocreatethetraditionalviewofShakespeareasapoetwho,
despite"smallLatine,andlesseGreeke",hadanaturalgenius.Thepoemhas
traditionallybeenthoughttoexemplifythecontrastwhichJonsonperceived
betweenhimself,thedisciplinedanderuditeclassicist,scornfulofignorance
andscepticalofthemasses,andShakespeare,representedinthepoemasa
kindofnaturalwonderwhosegeniuswasnotsubjecttoanyrulesexcept
thoseoftheaudiencesforwhichhewrote.Butthepoemitselfqualifiesthis
view:
YetmustInotgiveNatureall:ThyArt,
MygentleShakespeare,mustenjoyapart.
Someviewthiselegyasaconventionalexercise,butothersseeitasa
heartfelttributetothe"SweetSwanOfAvon,"the"SouloftheAge!"Ithas
beenarguedthatJonsonhelpedtoedittheFirstFolio,andhemayhave
beeninspiredtowritethispoembyreadinghisfellowplaywright'sworks,a
numberofwhichhadbeenpreviouslyeitherunpublishedoravailableinless
satisfactoryversions,inarelativelycompleteform.
Receptionandinfluence
Duringmostofthe17thcenturyJonsonwasatoweringliteraryfigure,and
hisinfluencewasenormous.BeforetheEnglishCivilWar,the"TribeofBen"
toutedhisimportance,andduringtheRestorationJonson'ssatiricalcomedies
andhistheoryandpracticeof"humourcharacters"wasextremely
influential,providingtheblueprintformanyRestorationcomedies.Inthe
18thcenturyJonson'sstatusbegantodecline.IntheRomanticera,Jonson
sufferedthefateofbeingunfairlycomparedandcontrastedtoShakespeare,
asthetasteforJonson'stypeofsatiricalcomedydecreased.Jonsonwasat
timesgreatlyappreciatedbytheRomantics,butoverallhewasdenigrated
fornotwritinginaShakespeareanvein.Inthe20thcentury,Jonson'sstatus
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rosesignificantly.
fJonson'sreputationasaplaywrighthastraditionallybeenlinkedto
Shakespeare,hisreputationasapoethas,sincetheearly20thcentury,
beenlinkedtothatofJohnDonne.Inthiscomparison,Jonsonrepresentsthe
cavalierstrainofpoetry,emphasisinggraceandclarityofexpression;Donne,
bycontrast,epitomisedthemetaphysicalschoolofpoetry,withitsreliance
onstrained,baroquemetaphorsandoftenvaguephrasing.Sincethecritics
whomadethiscomparison(HerbertGriersonforexample),weretovarying
extentsrediscoveringDonne,thiscomparisonoftenworkedtothedetriment
ofJonson'sreputation.
InhistimeJonsonwasatleastasinfluentialasDonne.In1623,historian
EdmundBoltonnamedhimthebestandmostpolishedEnglishpoet.That
thisjudgmentwaswidelysharedisindicatedbytheadmittedinfluencehe
hadonyoungerpoets.ThegroundsfordescribingJonsonasthe"father"of
cavalierpoetsareclear:manyofthecavalierpoetsdescribedthemselvesas
his"sons"orhis"tribe."Forsomeofthistribe,theconnectionwasasmuch
socialaspoetic;Herrickdescribedmeetingsat"theSun,theDog,theTriple
Tunne."Allofthem,includingthoselikeHerrickwhoseaccomplishmentsin
versearegenerallyregardedassuperiortoJonson's,tookinspirationfrom
Jonson'srevivalofclassicalformsandthemes,hissubtlemelodies,andhis
disciplineduseofwit.IntheserespectsJonsonmayberegardedasamong
themostimportantfiguresintheprehistoryofEnglishneoclassicism.
ThebestofJonson'slyricshaveremainedcurrentsincehistime;periodically,
theyexperienceabriefvogue,asafterthepublicationofPeterWhalley's
editionof1756.Jonson'spoetrycontinuestointerestscholarsforthelight
whichitshedsonEnglishliteraryhistory,suchaspolitics,systemsof
patronage,andintellectualattitudes.Forthegeneralreader,Jonson's
reputationrestsonafewlyricsthat,thoughbrief,aresurpassedforgrace
andprecisionbyveryfewRenaissancepoems:"OnMyFirstSonne";"To
Celia";"ToPenshurst";andtheepitaphonboyplayerSolomonPavy.
Eserleri:
Plays
ATaleofaTub,comedy(ca.1596?revised?performed1633;printed1640)
TheCaseisAltered,comedy(ca.159798;printed1609),withHenryPorter
andAnthonyMunday?
EveryManinHisHumour,comedy(performed1598;printed1601)
EveryManoutofHisHumour,comedy(performed1599;printed1600)
Cynthia'sRevels(performed1600;printed1601)
ThePoetaster,comedy(performed1601;printed1602)
SejanusHisFall,tragedy(performed1603;printed1605)
EastwardHo,comedy(performedandprinted1605),acollaborationwith
John
MarstonandGeorgeChapman
Volpone,comedy(ca.160506;printed1607)
Epicoene,ortheSilentWoman,comedy(performed1609;printed1616)
TheAlchemist,comedy(performed1610;printed1612)
CatilineHisConspiracy,tragedy(performedandprinted1611)
BartholomewFair,comedy(performed31October1614;printed1631)
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TheDevilisanAss,comedy(performed1616;printed1631)
TheStapleofNews,comedy(performedFeb.1626;printed1631)
TheNewInn,orTheLightHeart,comedy(licensed19January1629;printed
1631)
TheMagneticLady,orHumorsReconciled,comedy(licensed12October
1632;printed1641)
TheSadShepherd,pastoral(ca.1637,printed1641),unfinished
MortimerhisFall,history(printed1641),afragment
Masques
TheCoronationTriumph,orTheKing'sEntertainment(performed15March
1604;printed1604);withThomasDekker
APrivateEntertainmentoftheKingandQueenonMay-Day(ThePenates)(1
May1604;printed1616)
TheEntertainmentoftheQueenandPrinceHenryatAlthorp(TheSatyr)(25
June1603;printed1604)
TheMasqueofBlackness(6January1605;printed1608)
Hymenaei(5January1606;printed1606)
TheEntertainmentoftheKingsofGreatBritainandDenmark(TheHours)
(24July1606;printed1616)
TheMasqueofBeauty(10January1608;printed1608)
TheMasqueofQueens(2February1609;printed1609)
TheHueandCryafterCupid,orTheMasqueatLordHaddington'sMarriage
(9February1608;printedca.1608)
TheEntertainmentatBritain'sBurse(11April1609;lost,rediscovered2004)
TheSpeechesatPrinceHenry'sBarriers,orTheLadyoftheLake(6January
1610;printed1616)
Oberon,theFaeryPrince(1January1611;printed1616)
LoveFreedfromIgnoranceandFolly(3February1611;printed1616)
LoveRestored(6January1612;printed1616)
AChallengeatTilt,ataMarriage(27December1613/1January1614;
printed1616)
TheIrishMasqueatCourt(29December1613;printed1616)
MercuryVindicatedfromtheAlchemists(6January1615;printed1616)
TheGoldenAgeRestored(1January1616;printed1616)
Christmas,HisMasque(Christmas1616;printed1641)
TheVisionofDelight(6January1617;printed1641)
LoversMadeMen,orTheMasqueofLethe,orTheMasqueatLordHay's(22
February1617;printed1617)
PleasureReconciledtoVirtue(6January1618;printed1641)Themasque
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wasafailure;Jonsonreviseditbyplacingtheanti-masquefirst,turningit
into:
FortheHonourofWales(17February1618;printed1641)
NewsfromtheNewWorldDiscoveredintheMoon(7January1620:printed
1641)
TheEntertainmentatBlackfriars,orTheNewcastleEntertainment(May
1620?;MS)
Pan'sAnniversary,orTheShepherd'sHoly-Day(19June1620?;printed
1641)
TheGypsiesMetamorphosed(3and5August1621;printed1640)
TheMasqueofAugurs(6January1622;printed1622)
TimeVindicatedtoHimselfandtoHisHonours(19January1623;printed
1623)
Neptune'sTriumphfortheReturnofAlbion(26January1624;printed1624)
TheMasqueofOwlsatKenilworth(19August1624;printed1641)
TheFortunateIslesandTheirUnion(9January1625;printed1625)
Love'sTriumphThroughCallipolis(9January1631;printed1631)
Chloridia:RitestoChlorisandHerNymphs(22February1631;printed1631)
TheKing'sEntertainmentatWelbeckinNottinghamshire(21May1633;
printed1641)
Love'sWelcomeatBolsover(30July1634;printed1641)
Otherworks
Epigrams(1612)
TheForest(1616),includingToPenshurst
ADiscourseofLove(1618)
Barclay'sArgenis,translatedbyJonson(1623)
TheExecrationagainstVulcan(1640)
Horace'sArtofPoetry,translatedbyJonson(1640),withacommendatory
versebyEdwardHerbert
Underwood(1640)
EnglishGrammar(1640)
Timber,orDiscoveriesmadeuponmenandmatter,astheyhaveflowedout
ofhisdailyreadings,orhadtheirrefluxtohispeculiarnotionofthetimes,a
commonplacebook
OnMyFirstSonne(1616),elegy
ToCelia(DrinktoMeOnlyWithThineEyes),poem
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A Celebration of Charis: I. His Excuse for Loving
Letitnotyourwondermove,
Lessyourlaughter,thatIlove.
ThoughInowwritefiftyyears,
Ihavehad,andhave,mypeers;
Poets,thoughdivine,aremen,
Somehavelov'dasoldagain.
Anditisnotalwaysface,
Clothes,orfortune,givesthegrace;
Orthefeature,ortheyouth.
Butthelanguageandthetruth,
Withtheardourandthepassion,
Givestheloverweightandfashion.
Ifyouthenwillreadthestory,
Firstprepareyoutobesorry
Thatyouneverknewtillnow
Eitherwhomtoloveorhow;
Butbeglad,assoonwithme,
Whenyouknowthatthisisshe
Ofwhosebeautyitwassung;
Sheshallmaketheoldmanyoung,
Keepthemiddleageatstay,
Andletnothinghighdecay,
Tillshebethereasonwhy
Alltheworldforlovemaydie.
BenJonson
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A Celebration of Charis: IV. Her Triumph
SeethechariotathandhereofLove,
Whereinmyladyrideth!
Eachthatdrawsisaswanoradove,
AndwellthecarLoveguideth.
Asshegoes,allheartsdoduty
Untoherbeauty;
Andenamour'd,dowish,sotheymight
Butenjoysuchasight,
Thattheystillweretorunbyherside,
Throughswords,throughseas,whithershewouldride.
Dobutlookonhereyes,theydolight
AllthatLove'sworldcompriseth!
Dobutlookonherhair,itisbright
AsLove'sstarwhenitriseth!
Dobutmark,herforehead'ssmoother
Thanwordsthatsootheher;
Andfromherarchedbrows,suchagrace
Shedsitselfthroughtheface
Asalonetheretriumphstothelife
Allthegain,allthegood,oftheelements'strife.
Haveyouseenbutabrightlilygrow,
Beforerudehandshavetouch'dit?
Ha'youmark'dbutthefallo'thesnow
Beforethesoilhathsmutch'dit?
Ha'youfeltthewoolo'thebeaver?
Orswan'sdownever?
Orhavesmelto'thebudo'thebriar?
Orthenardinthefire?
Orhavetastedthebagofthebee?
Ohsowhite!Ohsosoft!Ohsosweetisshe!
BenJonson
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A Farewell to the World
FALSEworld,goodnight!sincethouhastbrought
Thathouruponmymornofage;
HenceforthIquittheefrommythought,
Mypartisendedonthystage.
Yes,threaten,do.Alas!Ifear
AslittleasIhopefromthee:
Iknowthoucanstnotshownorbear
Morehatredthanthouhasttome.
Mytender,first,andsimpleyears
Thoudidstabuseandthenbetray;
Sincestir'd'stupjealousiesandfears,
Whenallthecauseswereaway.
Theninasoilhastplantedme
Wherebreathethebasestofthyfools;
Whereenviousartsprofessedbe,
Andprideandignorancetheschools;
Wherenothingisexamined,weigh'd,
Butas'tisrumour'd,sobelieved;
Whereeveryfreedomisbetray'd,
Andeverygoodnesstax'dorgrieved.
Butwhatwe'rebornfor,wemustbear:
Ourfrailconditionitissuch
Thatwhattoallmayhappenhere,
If'tchancetome,Imustnotgrutch.
ElseImystateshouldmuchmistake
Toharbouradividedthought
Fromallmykind-that,formysake,
Thereshouldamiraclebewrought.
No,IdoknowthatIwasborn
Toage,misfortune,sickness,grief:
ButIwillbearthesewiththatscorn
Asshallnotneedthyfalserelief.
NorformypeacewillIgofar,
Aswanderersdo,thatstilldoroam;
Butmakemystrengths,suchastheyare,
Hereinmybosom,andathome.
BenJonson
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A Fit of Rhyme against Rhyme
Rhyme,therackoffinestwits,
Thatexpressethbutbyfits
Trueconceit,
Spoilingsensesoftheirtreasure,
Cozeningjudgmentwithameasure,
Butfalseweight;
Wrestingwordsfromtheirtruecalling,
Proppingverseforfearoffalling
Totheground;
Jointingsyllabes,drowningletters,
Fast'ningvowelsaswithfetters
Theywerebound!
Soonaslazythouwertknown,
Allgoodpoetryhencewasflown,
Andartbanish'd.
Forathousandyearstogether
AllParnassus'greendidwither,
Andwitvanish'd.
Pegasusdidflyaway,
AtthewellsnoMusedidstay,
Butbewail'd
Sotoseethefountaindry,
AndApollo'smusicdie,
Alllightfailed!
Starvelingrhymesdidfillthestage;
Notapoetinanage
Worthcrowning;
Notaworkdeservingbays,
Notalinedeservingpraise,
Pallasfrowning;
Greekwasfreefromrhyme'sinfection,
HappyGreekbythisprotection
Wasnotspoiled.
WhilsttheLatin,queenoftongues,
Isnotyetfreefromrhyme'swrongs,
Butrestsfoiled.
Scarcethehillagaindothflourish,
Scarcetheworldawitdothnourish
Torestore
Phbustohiscrownagain,
AndtheMusestotheirbrain,
Asbefore.
Vulgarlanguagesthatwant
Wordsandsweetness,andbescant
Oftruemeasure,
Tyrantrhymehathsoabused,
Thattheylongsincehaverefused
Othercsure.
Hethatfirstinventedthee,
Mayhisjointstormentedbe,
Cramp'dforever.
Stillmaysyllabesjarwithtime,
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Stillmayreasonwarwithrhyme,
Restingnever.
Mayhissensewhenitwouldmeet
Thecoldtumorinhisfeet,
Growunsounder;
Andhistitlebelongfool,
Thatinrearingsuchaschool
Wasthefounder.
BenJonson
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A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour
Isingthebirthwasbornto-night
Theauthorbothoflifeandlight;
Theangelssodidsoundit.
Andliketheravishedshepherdssaid,
Whosawthelight,andwereafraid,
Yetsearched,andtruetheyfoundit.
TheSonofGod,th'eternalking,
Thatdidusallsalvationbring,
Andfreedthesoulfromdanger;
Hewhomthewholeworldcouldnottake,
TheWord,whichheavenandearthdidmake,
Wasnowlaidinamanger.
TheFather'swisdomwilleditso,
TheSon'sobedienceknewnoNo,
Bothwillswereinonestature;
Andasthatwisdomhaddecreed.
TheWordwasnowmadefleshindeed.
Andtookonhimournature.
Whatcomfortbyhimdowewin.
Whomadehimselfthepriceofsin.
Tomakeusheirsofglory!
Toseethisbabeallinnocence;
Amartyrborninourdefence:
Canmanforgetthestory?
BenJonson
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A Hymn to God the Father
Hearme,OGod!
Abrokenheart
Ismybestpart.
Usestillthyrod,
ThatImayprove
ThereinthyLove.
Ifthouhadstnot
Beensterntome,
Butleftmefree,
Ihadforgot
Myselfandthee.
Forsin'ssosweet,
Asmindsill-bent
Rarelyrepent,
Untiltheymeet
Theirpunishment.
Whomorecancrave
Thanthouhastdone?
Thatgav'staSon,
Tofreeaslave,
Firstmadeofnought;
Withallsincebought.
Sin,Death,andHell
Hisgloriousname
Quiteovercame,
YetIrebel
Andslightthesame.
ButI'llcomein
Beforemyloss
Mefarthertoss,
Assuretowin
UnderHiscross.
BenJonson
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A Nymphs Passion
Ilove,andhelovesmeagain,
YetdareInottellwho;
Forifthenymphsshouldknowmyswain,
Ifeartheydlovehimtoo;
Yetifhebenotknown,
Thepleasureisasgoodasnone,
Forthatsanarrowjoyisbutourown.
Illtell,thatiftheybenotglad,
Theymaynotenvyme;
ButthenifIgrowjealousmad
Andofthempitiedbe,
Itwereaplaguebovescorn;
Andyetitcannotbeforborne
Unlessmyheartwould,asmythought,betorn.
Heis,iftheycanfindhim,fair
Andfresh,andfragranttoo,
Assummersskyorpurgdair,
Andlooksasliliesdo
Thatarethismorningblown:
Yet,yetIdoubtheisnotknown,
Andfearmuchmorethatmoreofhimbeshown.
Buthehatheyessoroundandbright,
Asmakeawaymydoubt,
WhereLovemayallhistorcheslight,
ThoughHatehadputthemout;
Butthentincreasemyfears
Whatnymphsoeerhisvoicebuthears
Willbemyrival,thoughshehavebutears.
Illtellnomore,andyetIlove,
Andhelovesme;yetno
Oneunbecomingthoughtdothmove
FromeitherheartIknow:
Butsoexemptfromblame
Asitwouldbetoeachafame,
Ifloveorfearwouldletmetellhisname.
BenJonson
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A Pangyre
OnthehappyentraceofIames,ourSoveraigne,toHisfirsthighSessionofParliament
inthishisKingdome,the19ofMarch,1603.
LicettotonuncHeliconefrui.
Mart.
Heav'nnownotstrives,alone,ourbreaststofill
Withjoyes:buturgethhisfullfavorsstill.
Againe,thegloryofourWesterneWorld
Unfoldshimselfe:andfromhiseyesarehoorl'd
(Today)athousandradiantlights,thatstreame
ToeverynookandangleofhisRealme.
Hisformerrayesdidonlyclearethesky;
Butthesehissearchingbeamsarecast,topry
Intothosedarkanddeepconcealedvaults,
Wheremencommitblackincestwiththeirfaults;
Andsnoresupinelyinthestallofsin:
WhereMurder,Rapine,Lust,dositwithin,
Carowsinghumanebloodinyronbowles,
Andmaketheirdentheslaughter-houseofsoules:
Fromwhosefoulereekingcavernesfirstarise
Thosedamps,thatsooffendallgoodmenseyes,
Andwould(ifnotdispers'd)infecttheCrown,
Andintheirvaporherbrightmetalldrown.
Tothissocleareandsanctifiedanend,
Isaw,whenreverendThemisdiddescend
UponhisState;letdowninthatrichchaine,
Thatfastnethheavenlypowertoearthlyraigne:
Besideher,stoup'toneitherhand,amaid,
FaireDice,andEunomia;whoweresaid
Tobeherdaughters:andbutfaintlyknown
Onearth,tillnow,theycametogracehisthrone.
Herthird,Irene,help'dtobearehistraine;
Andinherofficevow'dshewouldremaine,
Tillforrainemalice,orunnaturallspight
(WhichFatesavert)shouldforceherfromherright.
Withthesehepass'd,andwithhispeopleshearts
Breath'dinhisway;andsoules(theirbetterparts)
Hastingtofollowforthinshouts,andcryes.
Uponhisfaceallthrewtheircovetouseyes,
Asonawonder:someamazedstood,
Asiftheyfelt,buthadnotknowntheirgood
Otherswouldfainehaveshew'nitintheirwords:
But,whentheirspeechsopoore,ahelpaffords
Untotheirzealsexpression;theyaremute:
Andonlywithredsilencehimsalute.
Somecryfromtopsofhouses;thinkingnoyse
Thefittestheraldtoproclaimetruejoyes:
Othersongroundrungazingbyhisside,
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All,asunwearied,asunsatisfied:
Andeverywindoregriev'ditcouldnotmove
Alongwithhim,andthesametroubleprove.
Theythathadseen,butfoureshortdayesbefore,
Hisgladdinglook,nowlong'dtoseeitmore.
Andasoflate,whenhethroughLondonwent,
TheamorousCityspar'dnoornament,
Thatmightherbeautiesheighten;butsodrest,
AsourambitiousDames,whentheymakefeast,
Andwouldbecourted:sothisTownputon
Herbrightesttyre;and,init,equallshone
Tohergreatsister:savethatmodesty,
Herplace,andyeares,graveherprecedency.
Thejoyofeitherwasalike,andfull;
Noage,norsexe,soweak,orstronglydull,
Thatdidnotbeareapartinthisconsent
Ofhearts,andvoyces.Alltheairewasrent,
Aswiththemurmureofamovingwood;
Thegroundbeneathdidseemeamovingflood:
Wals,windores,roofs,towers,steeples,allwereset
Withseveralleyes,thatinthisobjectmet.
Oldmenwereglad,theirfatestillnowdidlast;
Andinfants,thatthehoureshadmadesuchhast
Tobringthemforth:Whil'striperage'd,andapt
Tounderstandthemore,themorewererapt.
Thiswasthepeopleslove,withwhichdidstrive
TheNobleszeale,yeteitherkeptalive
Theothersflame,asdoththewikeandwaxe,
Thatfriendlytemper'd,onepuretapermakes.
Meanewhile,thereverendThemisdrawsaside
TheKingsobeyingwill,fromtakingpride
Inthesevainestirs,andtohismindsuggests
HowhemaytriumphinhisSubjectsbrests,
'Withbetterpomp.Shetelshimfirst,thatKings
'Arehereonearththemostconspicuousthings:
'Thatthey,byHeaven,areplac'duponhisthrone,
'TorulelikeHeaven;andhavenomoretheirown,
'Astheyaremen,thenmen.Thatalltheydo
'Thoughhidathome,abroadissearch'dinto:
'Andbeingoncefoundout,discover'dlyes
'Untoasmanyenvies,there,aseyes.
'ThatPrinces,sincetheyknowitistheirfate,
'Oft-times,tohavethesecretsoftheirState
'Betraidtofame,shouldtakemorecare,andfeare
'Inpubliqueactswhatfaceandformetheybeare.
'Shethenremembredtohisthoughttheplace
'Wherehewasgoing;andtheupwardrace
'OfKings,prcedinghiminthathighCourt;
'Theirlaws,theirends;themenshedidreport:
'Andallsojustly,ashisearewasjoy'd
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 17
'Tohearethetruth,fromspightofflatteryvoyd.
'Sheshewdhim,whomadewise,whohonestActs;
'Whoboth,whoneither:allthecunningtracts,
'Andthrivingsstatutesshecouldpromptlynote;
'Thebloody,base,andbarbarousshedidquote;
'Wherelawsweremadetoservethetyran'will;
'Wheresleepingtheycouldsave,andwakingkill;
'Whereactsgavelicencetoimpetuouslust
'ToburyChurches,inforgottendust,
'Andwiththeirruinesraisethepandersbowers:
'When,publiquejusticeborrow'dallherpowers
'Fromprivatechambers;thatcouldthencreate
'Laws,Judges,Consellors,yeaPrince,andState.
'Allthisshetold,andmore,withbleedingeyes;
'ForRightisascompassionateaswise.
Nordidheseemetheirvicessotolove,
Asoncedefend,whatThemisdidreprove.
Forthoughbyright,andbenefitofTimes,
Heowndetheircrowns,hewouldnotsotheircrimes.
HeknewthatPrinces,whohadsoldtheirfame
Totheirvoluptuouslusts,hadlosttheirname;
Andthatnowretchwasmoreunblestthanhe,
Whosenecessarygood'twasnowtobe
AnevillKing:Andsomustsuchbestill,
Whooncehavegotthehabittodoill.
Onewickednesseanothermustdefend;
Forviceissafe,whileshehathvicetofriend.
Heknew,thatthose,whowould,withlove,command,
Mustwithatender(yetastedfast)hand
Sustainethereynes,andinthecheckforbeare
Tooffercauseofinjury,orfeare.
ThatKings,bytheirexample,moredosway
Thanbytheirpower;andmendomoreobay
Whentheyareled,thanwhentheyarecompell'd.
InalltheseknowingArtsourPrinceexcell'd.
Andnowthedamehaddriedherdroppingeyne,
When,likeanAprilIris,flewhershine
Aboutthestreets,asitwouldforceaspring
Fromoutthestones,togratulatetheKing.
Sheblestthepeople,thatinshoalesdidswim
Toheareherspeech;whichstillbeganinhim,
Andceas'dinthem.Shetoldthem,whatafate
WasgentlyfalnefromHeavenuponthisState;
Howdeareafathertheydidnowenjoy
Thatcametosave,whatdiscordwoulddestroy:
AndentringwiththepowerofaKing,
Thetemp'ranceofaprivatemandidbring,
Thatwanaffections,erehisstepswanground;
Andwasnothot,orcovetoustobecrown'd
Beforemensheartshadcrown'dhim.Who(unlike
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 18
Thosegreaterbodiesofthesky,thatstrike
Thelesserfiersdim)inhisaccesse
Brighterthanall,hathyetmadenoonelesse;
Thoughmanygreater:andthemost,thebest.
Wherein,hischoicewashappywiththerest
Ofhisgreatactions,firsttosee,anddo
Whatallmenswishesdidaspireunto.
Hereat,thepeoplecouldnolongerhold
Theirburstingjoyes;butthroughtheayrewasrol'd
Thelength'nedshowt,aswhenth'artillery
OfHeavenisdischarg'dalongthesky:
Andthisconfessionflewfromeveryvoyce,
NeverhadLandmorereasontorejoyce,
Nortoherblisse,couldoughtnowaddedbee,
Save,thatshemightthesameperpetuallsee.
WhichwhenTime,Nature,andtheFatesdeny'd,
Withatwiceloudershouteagaintheycry'd,
Yet,letblestBrittaineaske(withoutyourwrong)
StilltohavesuchaKing,andthisKinglong.
SolusRex,&Poetanonquotannisnascitur.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 19
A Pindaric Ode
THETURN
BraveinfantofSaguntum,clear
Thycomingforthinthatgreatyear,
WhentheprodigiousHannibaldidcrown
Hisragewithrazingyourimmortaltown.
Thoulookingthenabout,
Erethouwerthalfgotout,
Wisechild,didsthastilyreturn,
Andmad'stthymother'swombthineurn.
Howsumm'dacircledidstthouleavemankind
Ofdeepestlore,couldwethecentrefind!
THECOUNTER-TURN
Didwisernaturedrawtheeback,
Fromoutthehorrorofthatsack;
Whereshame,faith,honour,andregardofright,
Laytrampledon?Thedeedsofdeathandnight
Urg'd,hurriedforth,andhurl'd
Uponth'affrightedworld;
Sword,fireandfaminewithfellfurymet,
Andallonutmostruinset:
As,couldtheybutlife'smiseriesforesee,
Nodoubtallinfantswouldreturnlikethee.
THESTAND
Forwhatislife,ifmeasur'dbythespace,
Notbytheact?
Ormaskedman,ifvalu'dbyhisface,
Abovehisfact?
Here'soneoutliv'dhispeers
Andtoldforthfourscoreyears:
Hevexedtime,andbusiedthewholestate;
Troubledbothfoesandfriends;
Butevertonoends:
Whatdidthisstirrerbutdielate?
Howwellattwentyhadhefall'norstood!
Forthreeofhisfourscorehedidnogood.
THETURN
Heenter'dwell,byvirtuousparts
Gotup,andthriv'dwithhonestarts;
Hepurchas'dfriends,andfame,andhonoursthen,
Andhadhisnoblenameadvanc'dwithmen;
Butwearyofthatflight,
Hestoop'dinallmen'ssight
Tosordidflatteries,actsofstrife,
Andsunkinthatdeadseaoflife,
Sodeep,ashedidthendeath'swaterssup,
Butthatthecorkoftitlebuoy'dhimup.
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 20
THECOUNTER-TURN
Alas,butMorisonfellyoung!
Heneverfell,-thoufall'st,mytongue.
Hestood,asoldiertothelastrightend,
Aperfectpatriotandanoblefriend;
Butmost,avirtuousson.
Allofficesweredone
Byhim,soample,full,andround,
Inweight,inmeasure,number,sound,
As,thoughhisageimperfectmightappear,
Hislifewasofhumanitythesphere.
THESTAND
Gonow,andtelloutdayssumm'dupwithfears,
Andmakethemyears;
Producethymassofmiseriesonthestage,
Toswellthineage;
Repeatofthingsathrong,
Toshowthouhastbeenlong,
Notliv'd;forlifedothhergreatactionsspell,
Bywhatwasdoneandwrought
Inseason,andsobrought
Tolight:hermeasuresare,howwell
Eachsyllabeanswer'd,andwasform'd,howfair;
Thesemakethelinesoflife,andthat'sherair.
THETURN
Itisnotgrowinglikeatree
Inbulk,dothmakemenbetterbe;
Orstandinglonganoak,threehundredyear,
Tofallalogatlast,dry,bald,andsear:
Alilyofaday
Isfairerfar,inMay,
Althoughitfallanddiethatnight,
Itwastheplantandfloweroflight.
Insmallproportionswejustbeautiessee;
Andinshortmeasureslifemayperfectbe.
THECOUNTER-TURN
Call,nobleLucius,then,forwine,
Andletthylookswithgladnessshine;
Acceptthisgarland,plantitonthyhead,
Andthink,nayknow,thyMorison'snotdead.
Heleap'dthepresentage,
Possestwithholyrage,
Toseethatbrighteternalday;
Ofwhichwepriestsandpoetssay
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 21
Suchtruthsasweexpectforhappymen;
Andthereheliveswithmemory,andBen
THESTAND
Jonson,whosungthisofhim,erehewent
Himself,torest,
Ortasteapartofthatfulljoyhemeant
Tohaveexprest,
Inthisbrightasterism,
Whereitwerefriendship'sschism,
WerenothisLuciuslongwithustotarry,
Toseparatethesetwi{-}
Lights,theDioscuri,
AndkeeptheonehalffromhisHarry.
Butfatedothsoalternatethedesign,
Whilstthatinheav'n,thislightonearthmustshine.
THETURN
Andshineasyouexaltedare;
Twonamesoffriendship,butonestar:
Ofheartstheunion,andthosenotbychance
Made,orindenture,orleas'doutt'advance
Theprofitsforatime.
Nopleasuresvaindidchime,
Ofrhymes,orriots,atyourfeasts,
Orgiesofdrink,orfeign'dprotests;
Butsimpleloveofgreatnessandofgood,
Thatknitsbravemindsandmannersmorethanblood.
THECOUNTER-TURN
Thismadeyoufirsttoknowthewhy
Youlik'd,thenafter,toapply
Thatliking;andapproachsoonethet'other
Tilleithergrewaportionoftheother;
Eachstyledbyhisend,
Thecopyofhisfriend.
Youliv'dtobethegreatsurnames
Andtitlesbywhichallmadeclaims
Untothevirtue:nothingperfectdone,
ButasaCaryoraMorison.
THESTAND
Andsuchaforcethefairexamplehad,
Astheythatsaw
Thegoodanddurstnotpractiseit,wereglad
Thatsuchalaw
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 22
Wasleftyettomankind;
Wheretheymightreadandfind
Friendship,indeed,waswrittennotinwords:
Andwiththeheart,notpen,
Oftwosoearlymen,
Whoselinesherrollswere,andrecords;
Who,erethefirstdownbloomedonthechin,
Hadsow'dthesefruits,andgottheharvestin.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 23
A Sonnet, to the Noble Lady, the Lady Mary Wroth
Ithathavebeenalover,andcouldshowit,
Thoughnotinthese,inrhymesnotwhollydumb,
SinceIexscribeyoursonnets,ambecome
Abetterlover,andmuchbetterpoet.
NorismyMuse,orIashamedtooweit
Tothosetruenumerousgraces;whereofsome
Butcharmthesenses,othersovercome
Bothbrainsandhearts;andminenowbestdoknowit:
ForinyourverseallCupid'sarmory,
Hisflames,hisshafts,hisquiver,andhisbow,
Hisveryeyesareyourstooverthrow.
Butthenhismother'ssweetsyousoapply,
Herjoys,hersmiles,herloves,asreaderstake
ForVenus'ceston,everylineyoumake.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 24
An Elegy
THOUGHbeautybethemarkofpraise,
AndyoursofwhomIsingbesuch
Asnottheworldcanpraisetoomuch,
Yet'tisyourVirtuenowIraise.
Avirtue,likeallaysogone
Throughoutyourformas,thoughthatmove
Anddrawandconquerallmen'slove,
Thissubjectsyoutoloveofone.
Whereinyoutriumphyet-because
'Tisofyourflesh,andthatyouuse
Thenoblestfreedom,nottochoose
Againstorfaithorhonour'slaws.
Butwhoshouldlessexpectfromyou?
InwhomaloneLovelivesagain:
Bywhomheisrestoredtomen,
Andkeptandbredandbroughtuptrue.
Hisfallingtemplesyouhaverear'd,
Thewither'dgarlandsta'enaway;
Hisaltarskeptfromthatdecay
Thatenvywish'd,andnaturefear'd:
Andonthemburnsochasteaflame,
Withsomuchloyalty'sexpense,
AsLovetoacquitsuchexcellence
Isgonehimselfintoyourname.
Andyouarehe-thedeity
Towhomallloversaredesign'd
Thatwouldtheirbetterobjectsfind;
AmongwhichfaithfultroopamI-
Whoasanoff'ringatyourshrine
Havesungthishymn,andhereentreat
Onesparkofyourdivinerheat
Tolightuponaloveofmine.
Whichifitkindlenot,butscant
Appear,andthattoshortestview;
Yetgivemeleavetoadoreinyou
WhatIinheramgrievedtowant!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 25
An Ode to Himself
Wheredostthoucarelesslie,
Buriedineaseandsloth?
Knowledgethatsleepsdothdie;
Andthissecurity,
Itisthecommonmoth
Thateatsonwitsandarts,andoftdestroysthemboth.
Areallth'Aoniansprings
Driedup?liesThespiawaste?
DothClarius'harpwantstrings,
Thatnotanymphnowsings?
Ordrooptheyasdisgrac'd,
Toseetheirseatsandbowersbychatt'ringpiesdefac'd?
Ifhencethysilencebe,
As'tistoojustacause,
Letthisthoughtquickenthee:
Mindsthataregreatandfree
Shouldnotonfortunepause;
'Tiscrownenoughtovirtuestill,herownapplause.
Whatthoughthegreedyfry
Betakenwithfalsebaites
Ofwordedballadry,
Andthinkitpoesy?
Theydiewiththeirconceits,
Andonlypiteousscornupontheirfollywaits.
Thentakeinhandthylyre,
Strikeinthyproperstrain,
WithJaphet'slineaspire
Sol'schariotfornewfire,
Togivetheworldagain;
Whoaidedhimwillthee,theissueofJove'sbrain.
Andsinceourdaintyage
Cannotendurereproof,
Makenotthyselfapage
Tothatstrumpet,thestage,
Butsinghighandaloof,
Safefromthewolf'sblackjawandthedullass'shoof.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 26
Begging Another
Forlove'ssake,kissmeonceagain;
Ilong,andshouldnotbeginvain,
Here'snonetospyorsee;
Whydoyoudoubtorstay?
I'lltasteaslightlyasthebee
Thatdothbuttouchhisflowerandfliesaway.
Oncemore,andfaithIwillbegone;
Canhethatlovesasklessthanone?
Nay,youmayerrinthis
Andallyourbountywrong;
Thiscouldbecalledbuthalfakiss,
Whatwe'rebutoncetodo,weshoulddolong.
Iwillbutmendthelast,andtell
Where,howitshouldhaverelishedwell;
Joinliptolip,andtry
Eachsuckother'sbreath.
Andwhilstourtonguesperplexedlie,
Letwhowill,thinkusdeadorwishourdeath.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 27
Blaney's Last Directions
Itisusual
forpeopleinthiscountry
(outofpretendedrespect
butratherfromanimpertinentcuriosity)
todesiretosee
persons
aftertheyare
dead.
Itismyearnestrequestthatnoperson
onanypretencewhatever
maybepermittedtoseemy
corpse
butthosewho
unavoidablymust.
Idesiretobeburied
inthenorthsideofthechurchyard
ofTregynon
somewhereaboutthecentre
mycoffintobemadeinthemost
plainandsimplemanner
withouttheusualfantasticaldecorations
andthemore
perishablethematerial
thebetter.
Idesirethatnoundertaker
orprofessedperformeroffunerals
maybeemployed:
butthatImaybeconveyed
tothechurchyard
insomecountryhears
whichmaybehiredfortheoccasion
andmycorpse
tobecarried
fromhearsetothegrave
immediately
withoutgoingintothechurch
bysixofthechiefTregynontenants
towhomIgivetwoguineaseach
fortheirtrouble.
Itismyearnesrequestanddesire
tohavenoupperbearers
oranypersonswhatever
invitedtomyfuneral
whichIdesiremaybeatso
earlyanhouraswillbestprevent
aconcourseofpeople
fromcollectingtogether:
thebettersort
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Ipresumewillnotintrude
asthereisno
invitation.
Ihavebeenpresentatthefunerals
ofthreeofmyunclesatMorville.
Iwaspleasedwiththeprivacyanddecency
withwhichallthingswereconducted:
nostrangersattended
allwasdone
bytheservantsofthefamily.
Itismyearnestdesiretofollowtheseexamples
howeverunpopular
andthat
nocoach
noescutcheon
andnopompofanykindmayappear.
Itrustthatmyexecutorwillbewelljustified
againsttheclamorandobloquy
ofmercenarypeople
whenheactsinperformanceofthelastrequest
ofadyingfriend
whosolemnlyadjureshiminthenameofGod
punctuallytoobservethesedirections.
codicil
Ilikewisegivetoallmyservants
fiveguineaseach
inlieuofallmourning
whichitismydesire
nopersonmayuseonmyaccount.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 29
Christmas, His Masque (extract)
WhyGentlemen,doeyouknowwhatyoudoe?ha!
Wouldyouha'keptmeout?Christmas,oldChristmas?
ChristmasofLondon,andCaptaineChristmas?
PrayyouletmebebroughtbeforemyLordChamberlaine,i'lenotbeanswer'delse:
'Tismerrieinhallwhenbeardswagall:
Iha'seenethetimeyouha'wish'dforme,foramerryChristmas,
Andnowyouha'me;theywouldnotletmein:
Imustcomeanothertime!
Agoodjest,asifIcouldcomemorethanonceayear;
Why,Iamnodangerousperson,andsoItoldmyfriends,o'theGuard.
IamoldGregorieChristmasstill
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 30
Come, My Celia
Come,myCelia,letusprove
Whilewemay,thesportsoflove;
Timewillnotbeoursforever;
Heatlengthourgoodwillsever.
Spendnotthenhisgiftsinvain.
Sunsthatsetmayriseagain;
Butifoncewelosethislight,
'Tiswithusperpetualnight.
Whyshouldwedeferourjoys?
Fameandrumorarebuttoys.
Cannotwedeludetheeyes
Ofafewpoorhouseholdspies,
Orhiseasierearsbeguile,
Soremovedbyourwile?
'Tisnosinlove'sfruittosteal;
Butthesweetthefttoreveal.
Tobetaken,tobeseen,
Thesehavecrimesaccountedbeen.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 31
Conditions of Living
Livingawholelifehasthreeconditions:
absorbingworkwhichdemandsandbringsfulfilment,
agroupoffriendswithwhomtoexchangeminds,
andafulllovetobelostinallthetime.
OftheseIhavetheeasiertwo,
butlackthethirdinlackingyou.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 32
Epitaph on Elizabeth, L.H
Wouldstthouhearwhatmancansay
Inalittle?Reader,stay.
Underneaththisstonedothlie
Asmuchbeautyascoulddie;
Whichinlifedidharborgive
Tomorevirtuethandothlive.
Ifatallshehadafault,
Leaveitburiedinthisvault.
OnenamewasElizabeth,
Th'otherletitsleepwithdeath;
Fitter,whereitdiedtotell,
Thanthatitlivedatall.Farewell.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 33
Epitaph on S.P., a Child of Queen Elizabeth's Chapel
Weepwithme,allyouthatread
Thislittlestory;
Andknowforwhomatearyoushed,
Death'sselfissorry.
'Twasachildthatsodidthrive
Ingraceandfeature,
AsHeavenandNatureseemedtostrive
Whichownedthecreature.
Yearshenumberedscarcethirteen
WhenFatesturnedcruel,
Yetthreefilledzodiacshadhebeen
Thestage'sjewel;
Anddidact(whatnowwemoan)
Oldmensoduly,
As,sooth,theParcaethoughthimone,
Heplayedsotruly.
So,byerror,tohisfate
Theyallconsented;
Butviewinghimsince(alas,toolate),
Theyhaverepented,
Andhavesought(togivenewbirth)
Inbathstosteephim;
But,beingsomuchtoogoodforearth,
Heavenvowstokeephim.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 34
Epitaph On The Countess Of Pembroke
Underneaththissablehearse
Liesthesubjectofallverse,
Sidney'ssister,Pembroke'smother:
Death!erethouhastslainanother,
Learned,andfair,andgoodasshe,
Timeshallthrowadartatthee.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 35
Epode
Nottoknowviceatall,andkeeptruestate,
Isvirtueandnotfate:
Nexttothatvirtue,istoknowvicewell,
Andherblackspiteexpel.
Whichtoeffect(sincenobreastissosure,
Orsafe,butshe'llprocure
Somewayofentrance)wemustplantaguard
Ofthoughtstowatchandward
Atth'eyeandear,theportsuntothemind,
Thatnostrange,orunkind
Objectarrivethere,buttheheart,ourspy,
Giveknowledgeinstantly
Towakefulreason,ouraffections'king:
Who,inth'examining,
Willquicklytastethetreason,andcommit
Close,theclosecauseofit.
'Tisthesecurestpolicywehave,
Tomakeoursenseourslave.
Butthistruecourseisnotembracedbymany:
Bymany!scarcebyany.
Foreitherouraffectionsdorebel,
Orelsethesentinel,
Thatshouldring'larumtotheheart,dothsleep:
Orsomegreatthoughtdothkeep
Backtheintelligence,andfalselyswears
They'rebaseandidlefears
Whereoftheloyalconsciencesocomplains.
Thus,bythesesubtletrains,
Doseveralpassionsinvadethemind,
Andstrikeourreasonblind:
Ofwhichusurpingrank,somehavethoughtlove
Thefirst:aspronetomove
Mostfrequenttumults,horrors,andunrests,
Inourinflamedbreasts:
Butthisdothfromthecloudoferrorgrow,
Whichthusweover-blow.
Thethingtheyherecallloveisblinddesire,
Armedwithbow,shafts,andfire;
Inconstant,likethesea,ofwhence'tisborn,
Rough,swelling,likeastorm;
Withwhomwhosails,ridesonthesurgeoffear,
Andboilsasifhewere
Inacontinualtempest.Now,truelove
Nosucheffectsdothprove;
Thatisanessencefarmoregentle,fine,
Pure,perfect,nay,divine;
Itisagoldenchainletdownfromheaven,
Whoselinksarebrightandeven;
Thatfallslikesleeponlovers,andcombines
Thesoftandsweetestminds
Inequalknots:thisbearsnobrands,nordarts,
Tomurderdifferenthearts,
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 36
But,inacalmandgod-likeunity,
Preservescommunity.
O,whoishethat,inthispeace,enjoys
Th'elixirofalljoys?
AformmorefreshthanaretheEdenbowers,
Andlastingasherflowers;
RicherthanTimeand,asTimes'svirtue,rare;
Soberassaddestcare;
Afixedthought,aneyeuntaughttoglance;
Who,blestwithsuchhighchance,
Would,atsuggestionofasteepdesire,
Casthimselffromthespire
Ofallhishappiness?Butsoft:Ihear
Someviciousfooldrawnear,
Thatcries,wedream,andswearsthere'snosuchthing,
Asthischastelovewesing.
Peace,Luxury!thouartlikeoneofthose
Who,beingatsea,suppose,
Becausetheymove,thecontinentdothso:
No,Vice,welettheeknow
Thoughthywildthoughtswithsparrows'wingsdofly,
Turtlescanchastelydie;
Andyet(inthist'expressourselvesmoreclear)
Wedonotnumberhere
Suchspiritsasareonlycontinent,
Becauselust'smeansarespent;
Orthosewhodoubtthecommonmouthoffame,
Andfortheirplaceandname,
Cannotsosafelysin:theirchastity
Ismerenecessity;
Normeanwethosewhomvowsandconscience
Havefilledwithabstinence:
Thoughweacknowledgewhocansoabstain,
Makesamostblessedgain;
Hethatforloveofgoodnesshatethill,
Ismorecrown-worthystill
Thanhe,whichforsin'spenaltyforbears:
Hisheartsins,thoughhefears.
ButweproposeapersonlikeourDove,
GracedwithaPhoenix'love;
Abeautyofthatclearandsparklinglight,
Wouldmakeadayofnight,
Andturntheblackestsorrowstobrightjoys:
Whoseodorousbreathdestroys
Alltasteofbitterness,andmakestheair
Assweetassheisfair.
Abodysoharmoniouslycomposed,
Asifnaturedisclosed
Allherbestsymmetryinthatonefeature!
O,sodivineacreature
Whocouldbefalseto?chiefly,whenheknows
Howonlyshebestows
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 37
Thewealthytreasureofherloveonhim;
Makinghisfortunesswim
Inthefullfloodofheradmiredperfection?
Whatsavage,bruteaffection,
Wouldnotbefearfultooffendadame
Ofthisexcellingframe?
Muchmoreanoble,andrightgenerousmind,
Tovirtuousmoodsinclined,
Thatknowstheweightofguilt:hewillrefrain
Fromthoughtsofsuchastrain,
Andtohissenseobjectthissentenceever,
'Manmaysecurelysin,butsafelynever.'
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 38
Evening: Barents Sea
Thetrawlofunquietminddropsastern
Greatlucidstreamersbartheskyahead
(bifurcatedbannersatatourney)
lightalchemizesthebrassonthebridge
intosallowgold
nowtheshortnorthern
autumndayclosesquickly
thethincoast
(ofgreyNorwayisit,orofRussia?)
distinguishedonlyasaformalchange
inthepatternofcloudsonourportside
onthedeckthestrunglightsilluminateno
movementbutthesullenswillofwater
inthewasher,buttheunnaturalway
deadstarfishanddisregardeddabsswim
inthestrictseassurgingthroughthebilges
andout.Afishguthangslikeahankof
hairfromtheirongrillinapoundboard
brighternowthatthesun,thefishfinder's
greenbleepcatchestheskipper'sintentness
andthetrawlisdown,isout,iscatching!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 39
For a Girl in a Book
Kim,compositeofallmyloves,
lessrealthanmost,morerealthanall;
ofmymaking,allthegoodand
someofthebad,yetofyourself;
sole,unique,strong,alone,
whole,independent,one:yetmine
inthatyoucannotbeunfaithful.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 40
from........Witches' Song
Theowlisabroad,thebatandthetoad,
Andsoisthecat-amountain,
Theantandthemolesitbothinahole,
Andfrogpeepsouto'thefountain;
Thedogstheydobay,andthetimbrelsplay,
Thespindleisnowa-turning;
Themoonitisred,andthestarsarefled,
Andalltheskyisa-burning.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 41
Have You Seen But A Bright Lily Grow
Haveyouseenbutabrightlilygrow
Beforerudehandshavetouchedit?
Haveyoumarkedbutthefallofsnow
Beforethesoilhathsmutchedit?
Haveyoufeltthewoolofbeaver,
Orswan'sdownever?
Orhavesmelto'thebudo'thebrier,
Orthenardinthefire?
Orhavetastedthebagofthebee?
Osowhite,Ososoft,Ososweetisshe!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 42
His Excuse for Loving
Letitnotyourwondermove,
Lessyourlaughter,thatIlove.
ThoughInowwritefiftyyears,
Ihavehad,andhave,mypeers.
Poets,thoughdivine,aremen;
Somehavelovedasoldagain.
Anditisnotalwaysface,
Clothes,orfortunegivesthegrace,
Orthefeature,ortheyouth;
Butthelanguageandthetruth,
Withtheardorandthepassion,
Givestheloverweightandfashion.
Ifyouthenwouldhearthestory,
First,prepareyoutobesorry
Thatyouneverknewtillnow
Eitherwhomtoloveorhow;
Butbegladassoonwithme
Whenyouhearthatthisisshe
Ofwhosebeautyitwassung,
Sheshallmaketheoldmanyoung,
Keepthemiddleageatstay,
Andletnothinghidedecay,
Tillshebethereasonwhy
Alltheworldforlovemaydie.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 43
His Supposed Mistress
IfIfreelycandiscover
Whatwouldpleasemeinmylover,
Iwouldhaveherfairandwitty,
Savouringmoreofcourtthancity;
Alittleproud,butfullofpity;
Lightandhumourousinhertoying;
Oftbuildinghopes,andsoondestroying;
Long,butsweetintheenjoying,
Neithertooeasy,nortoohard:
AllextremesIwouldhavebarred.
Sheshouldbeallowedherpassions,
Sotheywerebutusedasfashions;
Sometimesfroward,andthenfrowning,
Sometimessickish,andthenswowning,
Everyfitwithchangestillcrowning.
PurelyjealousIwouldhaveher;
ThenonlyconstantwhenIcraveher,
Tisavirtueshouldnotsaveher.
Thus,norherdelicateswouldcloyme,
Neitherherpeevishnessannoyme.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 44
I: Why I Write Not To Love
Someactof
Love's
boundtoreherse,
Ithoughttobindhim,inmyverse:
Whichwhenhefelt,Away(quothhe)
CanPoetshopetofetterme?
Itisenough,theyoncedidget
Mars,andmy
Mother
,intheirnet:
Iwearenotthesemywingsinvaine.
Withwhichhefledme:andagaine,
Intomyrimescouldne'rebegot
Byanyart.Thenwondernot,
Thatsince,mynumbersaresocold,
When
Love
isfled,andIgrowold.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 45
III: To Sir Robert Wroth
Howblestartthou,canstlovethecountrey,Wroth,
Whetherbychoyce,orfate,orboth!
And,thoughsoneeretheCitie,andtheCourt,
Arttanewithneithersvice,norsport:
Thatatgreattimes,artnoambitiousguest
OfSheriffesdinner,orMaiorsfeast.
Norcom'sttoviewthebetterclothofState;
Thericherhangings,orcrowne-plate;
Northrong'st(whenmasquingis)tohaveafight
Oftheshortbraverieofthenight;
Toviewthejewels,stuffes,thepaines,thewit
Therewasted,somenotpaidforyet!
Butcanst,athome,inthysecurerrest,
Live,withun-boughtprovisionblest;
Freefromproudporches,ortheirguildedroofes,
'Mongstloughingheards,andsolidhoofes:
Along'stthecurledwoods,andpaintedmeades,
Throughwhichaserpentriverleades
Tosomecoole,courteousshade,whichhecalshis,
Andmakessleepsofterthanitis!
Or,ifthoulistthenightinwatchtobreake,
A-bedcansthearetheloudstagspeake,
Inspring,oftrousedfortheirmasterssport,
Who,forit,makesthyhousehiscourt;
Orwiththyfriends;theheartofalltheyeare,
Divid'st,uponthelesserDeere;
InAutumne,atthePartrichmak'staflight,
Andgiv'stthygladdergueststhesight;
And,intheWinter,hunt'sttheflyingHare,
Moreforthyexercise,thanfare;
Whileall,thatfollow,theirgladearesapply
Tothefullgreatnesseofthecry:
OrhaukingattheRiver,ortheBush,
OrshootingatthegreedyThrush,
Thoudostwithsomedelightthedayout-weare,
Althoughthecoldestoftheyeare!
Thewhil'sttheseverallseasonsthouhastseene
OfflowryFields,ofcop'cesgreene,
ThemowedMeddows,withthefleecedSheep,
Andfeasts,thateithershearerskeep;
Theripenedeares,yethumbleintheirheight,
Andfurrowsladenwiththeirweight;
Theapple-harvest,thatdothlongerlast;
Thehogsreturn'dhomefatfrommast;
Thetreescutoutinlog;andthoseboughsmade
Afirenow,thatlendashade!
ThusPan,andSylvane,havinghadtheirrites,
Comusputsin,fornewdelights;
Andfilsthyopenhallwithmirth,andcheere,
AsifinSaturnesraigneitwere;
Apollo'sHarpe,andHermesLyreresound,
NoraretheMusesstrangersfound:
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 46
Theroutofrurallfolkcomethrongingin,
(Theirrudenessethenisthoughtnosin)
Thynoblestpouseaffordsthemwelcomegrace;
AndthegreatHeroes,ofherrace,
SitmixtwithlosseofState,orreverence.
Freedomedothwithdegreedispence.
Thejollywassallwalkstheoftenround,
Andintheircups,theircaresaredrown'd,
Theythinknot,then,whichsidethecauseshallleese,
NorhowtogettheLawyerfees.
Such,andnootherwasthatage,ofold,
Whichboastst'havehadtheheadofgold.
Andsuchsincethoucanstmakethineowncontent,
Strive,Wroth,tolivelonginnocent.
Letotherswatchinguiltyarmes,andstand
Thefuryofarashcommand,
Goenterbreaches,meetthecannonsrage,
Thattheymaysleepwithscarresinage.
Andshewtheirfeathersshot,andCullourstorne,
Andbragthattheywerethereforeborne.
Letthismansweat,andwrangleatthebarre,
Foreverypriceineveryjarre,
Andchangepossessions,oftnerwithhisbreath,
Thaneithermoney,war,ordeath:
Lethim,thanhardestsires,moredisinherit,
Andeachwhereboastitashismerit,
ToblowupOphanes,Widdows,andtheirstates;
AndthinkhispowerdothequallFates.
Letthatgoheapeamasseofwretchedwealth,
Purchas'dbyrapine,worsethanstealth,
Andbroodingo'reitsit,withbroadesteyes,
Notdoinggood,scarcewhenhedyes.
Letthousandsmoregoflattervice,andwinne,
Bybeingorganestogreatsin,
Getplaceandhonor,andbegladtokeepe
Thesecrets,thatshallbreaketheirsleepe:
And,sotheyrideinPurple,eatinPlate,
Thoughpoyson,thinkeitagreatfate.
Butthou,myWroth,ifIcantruthapply,
Shaltneitherthat,northisenvy:
Thypeaceismade;and,whenmansstateiswell,
'Tisbetter,ifhetherecandwell.
Godwisheth,noneshouldwrackeonastrangeshelfe:
Tohimman'sdearer,thant'himselfe.
And,howsoeverwemaythinkethingssweet,
Healwayesgiveswhatheknowesmeet;
Whichwhocanuseishappy:Suchbethou.
ThymorningsandthyeveningsVow
Bethankestohim,andearnestprayer,tofinde
Abodysound,withsounderminde;
TodothyCountreyservice,thyselferight;
ThatneitherWantdoetheeaffright,
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NorDeath;butwhenthylatestsandisspent,
Thoumaistthinkelife,athingbutlent.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 48
In the ember days of my last free summer
Intheemberdaysofmylastfreesummer,
hereIlie,outsidemyself,watching
thegrossbodyeatingapoorcurry:
satisfiedatwhatIhavedone,scaredofwhat
Ihavetodoinmylastfreewinter.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 49
In The Person Of Womankind
ASONGAPOLOGETIC
Men,ifyouloveus,playnomore
Thefoolsortyrantswithyourfriends,
Tomakeusstillsingo'erando'er
Ourownfalsepraises,foryourends:
Wehavebothwitsandfanciestoo,
And,ifwemust,let'ssingofyou.
Nordowedoubtbutthatwecan,
Ifwewouldsearchwithcareandpain,
Findsomeonegoodinsomeoneman;
Sogoingthoroughallyourstrain,
Weshall,atlast,ofparcelsmake
Onegoodenoughforasong'ssake.
Andasacunningpaintertakes,
Inanycuriouspieceyousee,
Morepleasurewhilethethinghemakes,
Thanwhen'tismade--whysowillwe.
Andhavingpleasedourart,we'lltry
Tomakeanew,andhangthatby.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 50
Inviting a Friend to Supper
Tonight,gravesir,bothmypoorhouseandI
Doequallydesireyourcompany:
Notthatwethinkusworthysuchaguest,
Butthatyourworthwilldignifyourfeast
Withthosethatcome;whosegracemaymakethatseem
Something,whichelsecouldhopefornoesteem.
Itisthefairacceptance,Sir,creates
Theentertainmentperfect:notthecates.
Yetshallyouhave,torectifyyourpalate,
Anolive,capers,orsomebettersalad
Usheringthemutton;withashort-leggedhen,
Ifwecangether,fullofeggs,andthen
Lemonsandwineforsauce;tothese,aconey
Isnottobedespairedof,forourmoney;
Andthoughfowl,now,bescarce,yetthereareclerks,
Theskynotfalling,thinkwemayhavelarks.
I'lltellyouofmore,andlie,soyouwillcome:
Ofpartridge,pheasant,woodcock,ofwhichsome
Mayyetbethere;andgodwit,ifwecan,
Knot,rail,andruff,too.Howsoe'er,myman
ShallreadapieceofVirgil,Tacitus,
Livy,orofsomebetterbooktous,
Ofwhichwe'llspeakourmindsamidstourmeat;
AndI'llprofessnoversestorepeat:
Tothis,ifaughtappearwhichIknownotof,
Thatwillthepastry,notmypaper,showof.
Digestivecheeseandfruittheresurewillbe;
ButthatwhichmostdothtakemyMuseandme
IsapurecupofrichCanarywine,
WhichistheMermaid'snow,butshallbemine;
Ofwhich,hadHoraceorAnacreontasted,
Theirlives,asdotheirlines,tillnowhadlasted.
Tobacco,Nectar,ortheThespianspring
AreallbutLuther'sbeertothisIsing.
Ofthisweshallsupfree,butmoderately,
AndwewillhavenoPooly,orParrotby;
Norshallourcupsmakeanyguiltymen,
Butatourpartingweshallbeaswhen
Weinnocentlymet.Nosimpleword
Thatshallbeutteredatourmirthfulboard
Shallmakeussadnextmorning,oraffright
Thelibertythatwe'llenjoytonight.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 51
IV: To The World
AfarewellforaGentlewoman,vertuousandnoble
Falseworld,good-night,sincethouhastbrought
Thathoureuponmymorneofage,
Hence-forthIquittheefrommythought,
Mypartisendedonthystage.
Doenotoncehope,thatthoucansttempt
Aspiritsoresolv'dtotread
Uponthythroat,andliveexempt
Fromallthenetsthatthoucanstspread.
Iknowthyformesarestudiedarts,
Thysubtillwayes,benarrowstraits;
Thycurtesiebutsuddenstarts,
Andwhatthoucall'stthygiftsarebaits.
Iknowtoo,thoughthoustrut,andpaint,
Yetartthoubothshrunkeup,andold;
Thatonelyfoolesmaketheeasaint,
Andallthygoodistobesold.
Iknowthouwholeartbutashop
Oftoyes,andtrifles,traps,andsnares,
Totaketheweake,ormakethemstop:
Yetartthoufalserthanthywares.
And,knowingthisshouldIyetstay,
Likesuchasblowawaytheirlives,
Andneverwillredeemeaday,
Enamor'doftheirgoldengyves?
Orhavingscap'd,shallIreturne,
Andthrustmyneckintothenoose,
Fromwhence,solately,Ididburne,
Withallmypowers,myselfetoloose?
Whatbird,orbeastisknownesodull,
Thatfledhiscage,orbrokehischaine,
Andtastingaire,andfreedome,wull
Renderhisheadinthereagaine?
Ifthese,whohavebutsense,canshun
Theengines,thathavethemannoy'd;
Little,formee,hadreasondone,
IfIcouldnotthyginnesavoid.
Yes,threaten,doe.AlasIfeare
Aslittle,asIhopefromthee:
Iknowthoucanstnorshew,norbeare
Morehatred,thanthouhasttomee.
Mytender,first,andsimpleyeares
Thoudid'stabuse,andthenbetray;
Sincestird'stupjealousiesandfeares,
Whenallthecauseswereaway.
Then,inasoilehastplantedme,
Wherebreathethebasestofthyfooles;
Whereenviousartsprofessedbe,
Andpride,andignorancetheschooles,
Wherenothingisexamin'd,weigh'd,
But,as'tisrumor'd,sobeleev'd:
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Whereeveryfreedomeisbetray'd,
Andeverygoodnessetax'd,orgriev'd.
But,whatwe'arebornefor,weemustbeare:
Ourfraileconditionitissuch,
That,whattoallmayhappenhere,
If'tchancetomee,Imustnotgrutch.
Else,Imystateshouldmuchmistake,
Toharbouradividedthought
Fromallmykinde:that,formysake,
Thereshouldamiraclebewrought.
No,Idoeknow,thatIwasborne
Toage,misfortune,sicknesse,griefe:
ButIwillbearethese,withthatscorne,
Asshallnotneedthyfalsereliefe.
NorformypeacewillIgoefarre,
Aswandrersdoe,thatstilldoerome;
Butmakemystrengths,suchastheyare,
Hereinmybosome,andathome.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 53
IX: Song: To Celia
Drinktome,only,withthineeyes,
AndIwillpledgewithmine;
Orleaveakissebutinthecup,
AndIlenotlookforwine.
Thethirst,thatfromthesouledothrise,
Dothaskeadrinkdivine:
ButmightIofJove'sNectarsup,
Iwouldnotchangeforthine.
Isentthee,late,arosiewreath,
Notsomuchhonoringthee,
Asgivingitahope,thatthere
Itcouldnotwitheredbe.
Butthouthereondid'stonelybreathe,
Andsent'stitbacktomee:
Sincewhenitgrowes,andsmells,Isweare,
Notofitselfe,butthee.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 54
Living by
Walking,snowfalling,itispossible
tofocusatvariousdistances
inturnonseparateflakes,sharplyengage
theattentionatseveralspatialpoints:
thenearercoldandmoreuncomfortable,
thefartherdistancedandalmostpleasing.
Living,timepassing,itispreferable
tofocusthememoryinturnupon
themoredistantretrospectsinorder
thatthepresentmindmayretainitspeace.
Yetknowingthatseeingandremembering
arebothofcoursepersonalillusions.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 55
Love-All
Thedecorouslyinformativechurch
GuidetoSexsuggestedthatanyurge
couldwellbecontrolledbyplayingtennis:
andthegameprovidedalso'many
harmlessopportunitiesforhealthy
socialintercoursebetweenthesexes.'
ForweeksthedrawingsintheGuidemisled
meastowhatwentwhere,butnonetheless
Ibookedthepubliccourtsandlearntthegame
withothercuriousyouthsofmyage:
andlaterjoinedaclub,tolosesixone,
sixlove,inthefirstroundoftheOpen.
ButtheonlygirlIevermethad
her'energieschannelled'fartoobloody
'healthily',andveryquicklyletme
knowthatlovewasmerelyanothermeans
ofsayingnil.ItwasnotasthoughI
becameanygoodattennis;either.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 56
My Picture Left in Scotland
Inowthinkloveisratherdeaf,thanblind,
Forelseitcouldnotbe,
Thatshe,
WhomIadoresomuch,shouldsoslightme,
Andcastmylovebehind:
I'msuremylanguagewasassweet,
Andeveryclosedidmeet
Insentenceofassubtlefeet
Ashaththeyoungesthe,
ThatsitsinshadowofApollo'stree.
Oh,butmyconsciousfears,
Thatflymythoughtsbetween,
Tellmethatshehathseen
Myhundredsofgrayhairs,
Toldsevenandfortyyears,
Readsomuchwaist,asshecannotembrace
Mymountainbellyandmyrockface,
Asallthese,throughhereyes,havestoptherears.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 57
Natural Progress
Inallfaith,wedidourpart:
generatedpunctually,preparedadequately,
ejectedpromptly,
andswamintheapprovedmanner
intheappropriatedirection;
didallinstinctivethingswell,
eveneagerly
anexemplarystart.
Butthenthebarrier:unexpectedness
unexpectedly.
(Theydidnottellusthis).
Togobackimpossible,unnatural:
soround;manytimes;
wetiredourselves.
Wherewerethepromisedhomes,
embeddedinthesoftwall?
Ortheanticipatedachievement
somomentous,fulfilling?
Sowedied:
whatelsewastheretodo?
Butinallfaith,wedidourpart!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 58
Nine stages towards Knowing
Whydowelie
Whydowelie,shequestioned,herwarmeyes
onthegreyAutumnwindanditscoursing,
allafternoonwastedinbedlikethis?
Becausewecannotlieallnighttogether.
Yes,shesaid,satisfiedatmyreasoning,
butgoingontosearchhercruelmind
forbetterexcusestoleavemynarrowbed.
Toomanyfleshsuppers
Abstractedinart,
inarchitecture,
inscholarsdetail;
absorbedbymusic,
byminutiae,
bysadtrivia;
alltoeffaceher,
whomIcanforget
nomorethanbreathing.
Theatregoer
Somewheresomenightsshesees
curtainsriseonthoserites
wealsoknewandfelt
Isitheredesolate
inspiteofcompany
Loveisbetweenpeople
Andshouldshedie?
Andshouldshedietonight,
withthisthreeyearsdifference
aswellbetweenusnow?
Orno,bemaimedperhaps
andbearingpain,tolive
ondamagesforlife?
Inanycase,Iwish
hernogood,whomIloved
asBrunellovediron.
AllthisSundaylong
AllthisSundaylongithassnowed,
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andIweightedwiththeoldgrief
strugglingtounseatherfrommymind.
YetwinnowingourpastIcannotfind
asnow-gildedscenehoweverbrief:
thusdoIwilfullyincreasemyload.
SpatialDefinition
Razedtheroominwhich
wemadesomuchlove:
Itrytore-place
itinspaceagainst
thewindrackedplanetrees:
myeyesquarterair.
Ableatlast
Ableatlast,shewrites,
toseethingsastheywere,
Iwonderweweresoblind
tothinkourtrustcouldbind
insteadofjustdefer.
Ishudderatherfall,
forthatwas,fromtheheights,
nothowitwasatall.
Arrivedattheplace
Arrivedattheplace
towhichIalways
saidIwasgoing:
comfortlessforlack
ofherwhochosenot
totravelwithme:
tooawareofmyway
towherevernext
isalsoalone.
Knowledge
Knowledgeofherwas
earnedlikeminerspay:
afterwardsIsought
friendsknowledgeofher:
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nowIneedtoknow
nothingofthisgirl:
shewhomonceIknew
asmytonguemymouth.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 61
Occupation: Father
Mysonfindsoccupation
inalmostnothing,ineverything:
mysoapypenitentialtoothpaste,
hismother'sloosenedhair
orts,containers,uselessthings;
watchesasIpee
asatVictoriaFalls,
oncepushedhisheadbetweenmyknees
torisksomesortofbaptism.
BeforehisbirthIthought
Ihadroomfornomorelove:
nowwhenhe(say)hurtshimself
love,consideration,care
(copiesfromtheoriginals)
asifburstinsideme.
UndoggedlyIinterestmyself
inhisuninterestingconcerns,
growbackwardtohim,
morethanhopingtofind
aforwardinterestformyself.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 62
Ode
TotheImmortalMemoryandFriendshipofthatNoblePair,SirLucius
CaryandSirHenryMorison.
I.
THETURN.
BraveinfantofSaguntum,clear
Thycomingforthinthatgreatyear,
WhentheprodigiousHannibaldidcrown
Hiscage,withrazingyourimmortaltown.
Thou,lookingthenabout,
Erethouwerthalfgotout,
Wisechild,didsthastilyreturn,
Andmad'stthymother'swombthineurn.
Howsummedacircledidstthouleavemankind
Ofdeepestlore,couldwethecentrefind!
THECOUNTER-TURN.
Didwisernaturedrawtheeback,
Fromoutthehorrorofthatsack,
Whereshame,faith,honour,andregardofright,
Laytrampledon?thedeedsofdeathandnight,
Urged,hurriedforth,andhurled
Uponth'affrightedworld;
Sword,fire,andfamine,withfellfurymet,
Andallonutmostruinset;
As,couldtheybutlife'smiseriesforesee,
Nodoubtallinfantswouldreturnlikethee.
THESTAND.
Forwhatislife,ifmeasuredbythespace
Notbytheact?
Ormaskedman,ifvaluedbyhisface,
Abovehisfact?
Here'soneoutlivedhispeers,
Andtoldforthfourscoreyears;
Hevexedtime,andbusiedthewholestate;
Troubledbothfoesandfriends;
Butevertonoends:
Whatdidthisstirrerbutdielate?
Howwellattwentyhadhefallenorstood!
Forthreeofhisfourscorehedidnogood.
II.
THETURN
Heenteredwell,byvirtuousparts,
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 63
Gotup,andthrivedwithhonestarts;
Hepurchasedfriends,andfame,andhonoursthen,
Andhadhisnoblenameadvancedwithmen:
Butwearyofthatflight,
Hestoopedinallmen'ssight
Tosordidflatteries,actsofstrife,
Andsunkinthatdeadseaoflife,
Sodeep,ashedidthendeath'swaterssup,
Butthatthecorkoftitlebuoyedhimup.
THECOUNTER-TURN
Alas!butMorisonfellyoung:
Heneverfell,--thoufall'st,mytongue.
Hestoodasoldiertothelastrightend,
Aperfectpatriot,andanoblefriend;
Butmost,avirtuousson.
Allofficesweredone
Byhim,soample,full,andround,
Inweight,inmeasure,number,sound,
As,thoughhisageimperfectmightappear,
Hislifewasofhumanitythesphere.
THESTAND
Gonow,andtelloutdayssummedupwithfears,
Andmakethemyears;
Producethymassofmiseriesonthestage,
Toswellthineage;
Repeatofthingsathrong,
Toshowthouhastbeenlong,
Notlived:forlifedothhergreatactionsspell.
Bywhatwasdoneandwrought
Inseason,andsobrought
Tolight:hermeasuresare,howwell
Eachsyllabeanswered,andwasformed,howfair;
Thesemakethelinesoflife,andthat'sherair!
III.
THETURN
Itisnotgrowinglikeatree
Inbulk,dothmakemenbetterbe;
Orstandinglonganoak,threehundredyear,
Tofallalogatlast,dry,bald,andsear:
Alilyofaday,
IsfairerfarinMay,
Althoughitfallanddiethatnight;
Itwastheplant,andfloweroflight.
Insmallproportionswejustbeautiessee;
Andinshortmeasures,lifemayperfectbe.
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 64
THECOUNTER-TURN
Call,nobleLucius,thenforwine,
Andletthylookswithgladnessshine:
Acceptthisgarland,plantitonthyhead
Andthink,nayknow,thyMorison'snotdead
Heleapedthepresentage,
Possessedwithholyrage
Toseethatbrighteternalday;
Ofwhichwepriestsandpoetssay,
Suchtruths,asweexpectforhappymen:
AndthereheliveswithmemoryandBen.
THESTAND
Jonson,whosungthisofhim,erehewent,
Himselftorest,
Ortasteapartofthatfulljoyhemeant
Tohaveexpressed,
InthisbrightAsterism!
Whereitwerefriendship'sschism,
WerenothisLuciuslongwithustotarry,
Toseparatethesetwi-
Lights,theDioscouri;
AndkeeptheonehalffromhisHarry,
Butfatedothsoalternatethedesign
Whilstthatinheaven,thislightonearthmustshine.
IV.
THETURN
Andshineasyouexaltedare;
Twonamesoffriendship,butonestar:
Ofheartstheunion,andthosenotbychance
Made,orindenture,orleasedoutt'advance
Theprofitsforatime.
Nopleasuresvaindidchime,
Ofrhymes,orriots,atyourfeasts,
Orgiesofdrink,orfeignedprotests:
Butsimpleloveofgreatnessandofgood,
Thatknitsbravemindsandmannersmorethanblood.
THECOUNTER-TURN
Thismadeyoufirsttoknowthewhy
Youliked,thenafter,toapply
Thatliking;andapproachsoonethet'other,
Tilleithergrewaportionoftheother:
Eachstyledbyhisend,
Thecopyofhisfriend.
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 65
Youlivedtobethegreatsir-names,
Andtitles,bywhichallmadeclaims
Untothevirtue;nothingperfectdone,
ButasaCary,oraMorison.
THESTAND
Andsuchaforcethefairexamplehad,
Astheythatsaw
Thegood,anddurstnotpractiseit,wereglad
Thatsuchalaw
Wasleftyettomankind;
Wheretheymightreadandfind
Friendship,indeed,waswrittennotinwords;
Andwiththeheart,notpen,
Oftwosoearlymen,
Whoselinesherrollswere,andrecords;
Who,erethefirstdownbloomeduponthechin,
Hadsowedthesefruits,andgottheharvestin.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 66
Ode upon the Censure of his New Inn
Come,leavetheloathedstage,
Andthemoreloathsomeage;
Whereprideandimpudence,infactionknit,
Usurpthechairofwit!
Indictingandarraigningeveryday
Somethingtheycallaplay.
Lettheirfastidious,vain
Commissionofthebrain
Runonandrage,sweat,censure,andcondemn;
Theywerenotmadeforthee,lessthouforthem.
Saythatthoupour'stthemwheat,
Andtheywillacornseat;
'Tweresimplefurystillthyselftowaste
Onsuchashavenotaste!
Toofferthemasurfeitofpurebread
Whoseappetitesaredead!
No,givethemgrainstheirfill,
Husks,drafftodrinkandswill:
Iftheylovelees,andleavethelustywine,
Envythemnot,theirpalate'swiththeswine.
Nodoubtsomemouldytale,
LikePericles,andstale
Astheshrieve'scrusts,andnastyashisfish-
Scrapsoutofeverydish
Thrownforth,andrak'dintothecommontub,
MaykeepupthePlay-club:
There,sweepingsdoaswell
Asthebest-order'dmeal;
Forwhotherelishoftheseguestswillfit,
Needssetthembutthealms-basketofwit.
Andmuchgooddo'tyouthen:
Braveplush-and-velvet-men
Canfeedonorts;and,safeinyourstage-clothes,
Darequit,uponyouroaths,
Thestagers,andthestage-wrightstoo(yourpeers)
Oflardingyourlargeears
Withtheirfoulcomicsocks,
Wroughtupontwentyblocks;
Whichiftheyaretorn,andturn'd,andpatch'denough,
Thegamestersshareyourgilt,andyoutheirstuff.
Leavethingssoprostitute,
AndtaketheAlcaiclute;
OrthineownHorace,orAnacreon'slyre;
WarmtheebyPindar'sfire:
Andthoughthynervesbeshrunk,andbloodbecold,
Ereyearshavemadetheeold,
Strikethatdisdainfulheat
Throughout,totheirdefeat,
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 67
Ascuriousfools,andenviousofthystrain,
Mayblushingswear,nopalsy'sinthybrain.
Butwhentheyheartheesing
Thegloriesofthyking,
HiszealtoGod,andhisjustaweo'ermen:
Theymay,blood-shakenthen,
Feelsuchaflesh-quaketopossesstheirpowers,
Astheyshallcry:'Likeours
Insoundofpeaceorwars,
Noharpe'erhitthestars,
Intuningforththeactsofhissweetreign,
AndraisingCharleshischariot'bovehisWain.'
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 68
Of Life And Death
Theportsofdeatharesins;oflife,gooddeeds:
Throughwhichourmeritleadsustoourmeeds.
Howwilfulblindishe,then,thatwouldstray,
Andhathitinhispowerstomakehisway!
Thisworlddeath'sregionis,theotherlife's:
Andhereitshouldbeoneofourfirststrifes,
Sotofrontdeath,asmenmightjudgeuspastit:
Forgoodmenbutseedeath,thewickedtasteit.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 69
On A Robbery
RIDWAYrobb'dDUNCOTEofthreehundredpound,
Ridwaywasta'en,arraign'd,condemn'dtodie;
But,forthismoney,wasacourtierfound,
Begg'dRidway'spardon:Duncotenowdothcry,
Robb'dbothofmoney,andthelaw'srelief,
'Thecourtierisbecomethegreaterthief.'
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 70
On Don Surly
DonSurly,toaspirethegloriousname
Ofagreatman,andtobethoughtthesame,
Makesserioususeofallgreattradeheknow.
HespeakstomenwithaRhinocerotes'nose,
Whichhethinksgreat;andsoreadsversestoo,
Andthatisdoneashesawgreatmendo.
Hehastimpaniesofbusinessinhisface,
Andcanforgetmen'snameswithagreatgrace.
Hewillbothargueanddiscourseinoaths,
Bothwhicharegreat;andlaughatill-madeclothes-
That'sgreateryet-tocryhisownupneat.
Hedoth,atmeals,alonehispheasanteat,
Whichismaingreatness;andathisstillboard
Hedrinkstonoman;that's,too,likealord.
Hekeepsanother'swife,whichisaspice
Ofsolemngreatness.Andhedares,atdice,
BlasphemeGodgreatly,orsomepoorhindbeat
Thatbreathesinhisdog'sway;andthisisgreat.
Naymore,forgreatness'sake,hewillbeone
Mayhearmyepigrams,butlikeofnone,
Surly,useotherarts;theseonlycan
Styletheeamostgreatfool,butnogreatman.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 71
On Elizabeth L. H.
Epitaphsi
WOULDSTthouhearwhatMancansay
Inalittle?Reader,stay.
Underneaththisstonedothlie
AsmuchBeautyascoulddie:
Whichinlifedidharbourgive
TomoreVirtuethandothlive.
Ifatallshehadafault,
Leaveitburiedinthisvault.
OnenamewasElizabeth,
Theother,letitsleepwithdeath:
Fitter,whereitdied,totell
Thanthatitlivedatall.Farewell.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 72
On Giles and Joan
WhosaysthatGilesandJoanatdiscordbe?
Th'observingneighborsnosuchmoodcansee.
Indeed,poorGilesrepentshemarriedever,
ButthathisJoandothtoo.AndGileswouldnever
ByhisfreewillbeinJoan'scompany;
NomorewouldJoanheshould.Gilesrisethearly,
Andhavinggothimoutofdoorsisglad;
ThelikeisJoan.Butturninghomeissad,
AndsoisJoan.Ofttimes,whenGilesdothfind
Harshsightsathome,Gileswishethhewereblind:
AllthisdothJoan.Orthathislong-yearnedlife
Werequiteoutspun.Thelikewishhathhiswife.
ThechildrenthathekeepsGilessweararenone
Ofhisbegetting;andsoswearshisJoan.
Inallaffectionssheconcurrethstill.
Ifnow,withmanandwife,towillandnill
Theself-samethingsanoteofconcordbe,
Iknownocouplebettercanagree.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 73
On Lucy, Countess of Bedford
Thismorning,timelyraptwithholyfire,
IthoughttoformuntomyzealousMuse
WhatkindofcreatureIcouldmostdesire,
Tohonour,serve,andlove;aspoetsuse.
Imeanttomakeherfair,andfree,andwise,
Ofgreatestblood,andyetmoregoodthangreat;
Imeanttheday-starshouldnotbrighterrise,
Norlendlikeinfluencefromhislucentseat.
Imeantsheshouldbecourteous,facile,sweet,
Hatingthatsolemnviceofgreatness,pride;
Imeanteachsoftestvirtuethereshouldmeet,
Fitinthatsofterbosomtoreside.
Onlyalearndandamanlysoul
Ipurposedher;thatshould,withevenpowers,
Therock,thespindle,andtheshearscontrol
OfDestiny,andspinherownfreehours.
SuchwhenImeanttofeign,andwishedtosee,
MyMusebade
Bedford
write,andthatwasshe.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 74
On My First Daughter
Herelies,toeachherparents'ruth,
Mary,thedaughteroftheiryouth;
Yetallheaven'sgiftsbeingheaven'sdue,
Itmakesthefatherlesstorue.
Atsixmonths'endshepartedhence
Withsafetyofherinnocence;
Whosesoulheaven'squeen,whosenameshebears,
Incomfortofhermother'stears,
Hathplacedamongsthervirgin-train:
Where,whilethatsevereddothremain,
Thisgravepartakesthefleshlybirth;
Whichcoverlightly,gentleearth!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 75
On My First Son
Farewell,thouchildofmyrighthand,andjoy;
Mysinwastoomuchhopeofthee,lov'dboy.
Sevenyearsthou'wertlenttome,andItheepay,
Exactedbythyfate,onthejustday.
O,couldIloseallfathernow!Forwhy
Willmanlamentthestateheshouldenvy?
Tohavesosoon'scap'dworld'sandflesh'srage,
And,ifnoothermisery,yetage?
Restinsoftpeace,and,ask'd,sayheredothlie
BenJonsonhisbestpieceofpoetry.
Forwhosesake,henceforth,allhisvowsbesuch,
Aswhathelovesmayneverliketoomuch.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 76
On Poet-Ape
PoorPOET-APE,thatwouldbethoughtourchief,
Whoseworksaree'enthefripperyofwit,
Frombrokageisbecomesoboldathief,
Aswe,therobbed,leaverage,andpityit.
Atfirsthemadelowshifts,wouldpickandglean,
Buythereversionofoldplays;nowgrown
Toalittlewealth,andcreditinthescene,
Hetakesupall,makeseachman'swithisown.
And,toldofthis,heslightsit.Tut,suchcrimes
Thesluggishgapingauditordevours;
Hemarksnotwhose'twasfirst:andafter-times
Mayjudgeittobehis,aswellasours.
Fool,asifhalfeyeswillnotknowafleece
Fromlocksofwool,orshredsfromthewholepiece!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 77
On Salathiel Pavy
AchildofQueenElizabeth'sChapel
Epitaphs:ii
WEEPwithme,allyouthatread
Thislittlestory;
Andknow,forwhomatearyoushed
Death'sselfissorry.
'Twasachildthatsodidthrive
Ingraceandfeature,
AsHeavenandNatureseem'dtostrive
Whichown'dthecreature.
Yearshenumber'dscarcethirteen
WhenFatesturn'dcruel,
Yetthreefill'dzodiacshadhebeen
Thestage'sjewel;
Anddidact(whatnowwemoan)
Oldmensoduly,
AssooththeParcaethoughthimone,
Heplay'dsotruly.
So,byerror,tohisfate
Theyallconsented;
But,viewinghimsince,alas,toolate!
Theyhaverepented;
Andhavesought,togivenewbirth,
Inbathstosteephim;
But,beingsomuchtoogoodforearth,
Heavenvowstokeephim.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 78
On Something, That Walks Somewhere
AtcourtImetit,inclothesbraveenough
Tobeacourtier,andlooksgraveenough
Toseemastatesman:asInearitcame,
Itmademeagreatface.Iaskedthename.
'Alord,'itcried,'buriedinfleshandblood,
Andsuchfromwhomletnomanhopeleastgood,
ForIwilldonone;andaslittleill,
ForIwilldarenone.'Goodlord,walkdeadstill.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 79
Opening Doors
Hesmashedhishand
inopeningadoorforher,
andlesspainthan
embarrassmentshriekedthroughhim.
Concealingboth,
grimacingasiftheatrically,
heaskedhimself
whohethoughthewastogo
aroundopening
doorsforanyone,muchlessforher.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 80
Porth Ceiriad Bay
Descendedtotheshore,oddhowweleft
theyounggirlwithustoherself,andwent
straighttoexaminethestratifiedcliffs,
forgotherentirelyinourinterest.
Youmarvelledattheshapestheclockworksea
hadwornthestone,talkingkeenly,until
thepaceofthisrandomsculpturerecalled
youragetoyou,andthenitsanodynes.
Andsoyouturned,pretendingyouth,courting
thegirlasifyouwereaboyagain,
leavingthewrycliffstotheirerosion
andmetomyobservantsolitude.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 81
Praeludium
AndmustIsing?WhatsubjectshallIchoose!
Orwhosegreatnameinpoets'heavenuse,
Forthemorecountenancetomyactivemuse?
Hercules?alas,hisbonesareyetsore
Withhisoldearthlylabourst'exactmore
Ofhisdullgodheadweresin.I'llimplore
Phoebus.No,tendthycartstill.Enviousday
ShallnotgiveoutthatIhavemadetheestay,
Andfounderedthyhotteam,totunemylay.
NorwillIbegofthee,lordofthevine,
Toraisemyspiritswiththyconjuringwine,
Inthegreencircleofthyivytwine.
Pallas,northeeIcallon,mankindmaid,
Thatatthybirthmad'stthepoorsmithafraid.
Whowithhisaxethyfather'smidwifeplayed.
Go,crampdullMars,lightVenus,whenhesnorts,
Orwiththytribadetrineinventnewsports;
Thou,northyloosenesswithmymakingsorts.
Lettheoldboy,yourson,plyhisoldtask,
Turnthestaleprologuetosomepaintedmask;
HisabsenceinmyverseisallIask.
Hermes,thecheater,shallnotmixwithus,
Thoughhewouldstealhissisters'Pegasus,
Andriflehim;orpawnhispetasus.
NoralltheladiesoftheThespianlake,
Thoughtheywerecrushedintooneform,couldmake
Abeautyofthatmerit,thatshouldtake
Mymuseupbycommission;no,Ibring
Myowntruefire:nowmythoughttakeswing,
AndnowanepodetodeepearsIsing.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 82
Preconception
Ihavenochildren:
Buttonightapoemcame
inwhichasmallchild,
mydaughter,appearedatthedoor
ofahalf-litroom
wherelateonenightIwrote
ataheavydesk.
Andthoughinterruption
washardlywelcome
Itookhertomyself,
justasthepoem,
comfortedthisdaughter
untilshefoundpeace.
Thepoemsasthechildren
comeastheywillcome.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 83
Queen and Huntress
Queenandhuntress,chasteandfair,
Nowthesunislaidtosleep,
Seatedinthysilverchair
Stateinwontedmannerkeep:
Hesperusentreatsthylight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
Earth,letnotthyenviousshade
Dareitselftointerpose;
Cynthia'sshiningorbwasmade
Heaventoclearwhendaydidclose:
Blessusthenwithwishedsight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
Laythybowofpearlapart
Andthycrystal-shiningquiver;
Giveuntotheflyinghart
Spacetobreathe,howshortsoever:
Thouthatmak'stadayofnight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 84
Simplex Munditiis
Stilltobeneat,stilltobedressed,
Asyouweregoingtoafeast;
Stilltobepowdered,stillperfumed:
Lady,itistobepresumed,
Thoughart'shidcausesarenotfound,
Allisnotsweet,allisnotsound.
Givemealook,givemeaface,
Thatmakessimplicityagrace;
Robeslooselyflowing,hairasfree:
Suchsweetneglectmoretakethme
Thanalltheadulteriesofart;
Theystrikemineeyes,butnotmyheart.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 85
So Breaks The Sun
Sobreaksthesunearth'sruggedchains,
Whereinrudewinterboundherveins;
Sogrowsbothstreamandsourceofprice,
Thatlatelyfetteredwerewithice.
Sonakedtreesgetcrispedheads,
Andcoloredcoatstheroughestmeads,
Andallgetvigor,youth,andsprite,
Thatarebutlookedonbyhislight.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 86
Song from The Silent Woman
Stilltobeneat,stilltobedressed,
Asyouweregoingtoafeast;
Stilltobepowdered,stillperfumed:
Lady,itistobepresumed,
Thoughart'shidcausesarenotfound,
Allisnotsweet,allisnotsound.
Givemealook,givemeaface,
Thatmakessimplicityagrace;
Robeslooselyflowing,hairasfree;
Suchsweetneglectmoretakethme
Thanallth'adulteriesofart:
Theystrikemineeyes,butnotmyheart.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 87
Song To Celia - I
Come,myCelia,letusprove
Whilewemaythesportsoflove;
Timewillnotbeoursforever,
Heatlengthourgoodwillsever.
Spendnotthenhisgiftsinvain;
Sunsthatsetmayriseagain,
Butifoncewelosethislight,
'Tiswithusperpetualnight.
Whyshouldwedeferourjoys?
Fameandrumourarebuttoys.
Cannotwedeludetheeyes
Ofafewpoorhouseholdspies?
Orhiseasierearsbeguile,
Soremovedbyourwile?
'Tisnosinlove'sfruitstosteal;
Butthesweetthefttoreveal,
Tobetaken,tobeseen,
Thesehavecrimesaccountedbeen.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 88
Song to Celia II
Drinktomeonlywiththineeyes,
AndIwillpledgewithmine;
Orleaveakissbutinthecup,
AndI'llnotlookforwine.
Thethirstthatfromthesouldothrise
Dothaskadrinkdivine;
ButmightIofJove'snectarsup,
Iwouldnotchangeforthine.
Isenttheelatearosywreath,
Notsomuchhonouringthee
Asgivingitahope,thatthere
Itcouldnotwitheredbe.
Butthouthereondidstonlybreathe,
Andsent'stitbacktome;
Sincewhenitgrows,andsmells,Iswear,
Notofitself,butthee.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 89
Song To Diana
Queenandhuntress,chasteandfair,
Nowthesunislaidtosleep,
Seatedinthysilverchair
Stateinwontedmannerkeep:
Hesperusentreatsthylight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
Earth,letnotthyenviousshade
Dareitselftointerpose;
Cynthia'sshiningorbwasmade
Heaventoclearwhendaydidclose:
Blessusthenwithwishedsight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
Laythybowofpearlapart,
Andthycrystal-shiningquiver;
Giveuntotheflyinghart
Spacetobreathe,howshortsoever:
Thouthatmak'stadayofnight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 90
Song: from Cynthia's Revels
O,thatjoysosoonshouldwaste!
Orsosweetabliss
Asakiss
Mightnotforeverlast!
Sosugared,somelting,sosoft,sodelicious,
Thedewthatliesonroses,
WhentheMornherselfdiscloses,
Isnotsoprecious.
O,ratherthanIwoulditsmother,
WereItotastesuchanother,
Itshouldbemywishing
ThatImightdiekissing.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 91
Song: To Cynthia
From
'Cynthia'sRevels'
Queenandhuntress,chasteandfair,
Nowthesunislaidtosleep,
Seatedinthysilverchair,
Stateinwontedmannerkeep:
Hesperusentreatsthylight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
Earth,letnotthyenviousshade
Dareitselftointerpose;
Cynthia'sshiningorbwasmade
Heaventoclear,whendaydidclose:
Blessusthenwithwishedsight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
Laythybowofpearlapart,
Andthycrystal-shiningquiver;
Giveuntotheflyinghart
Spacetobreathe,howshortsoever:
Thouthatmak'stadayofnight,
Goddessexcellentlybright.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 92
That Women Are But Men's Shadows
Followashadow,itstillfliesyou;
Seemtoflyit,itwillpursue:
Socourtamistress,shedeniesyou;
Letheralone,shewillcourtyou.
Say,arenotwomentrulythen
Styledbuttheshadowsofusmen?
Atmornandevenshadesarelongest,
Atnoontheyareorshortornone;
Somenatweakest,theyarestrongest,
Butgrantusperfect,they'renotknown.
Say,arenotwomentrulythen
Styledbuttheshadowsofusmen?
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 93
The Alchemist
Thesicknesshot,amasterquit,forfear,
Hishouseintown,andleftoneservantthere;
Easehimcorrupted,andgavemeanstoknow
ACheater,andhispunk;whonowbroughtlow,
Leavingtheirnarrowpractice,werebecome
Cozenersatlarge;andonlywantingsome
Housetosetup,withhimtheyherecontract,
Eachforashare,andallbegintoact.
Muchcompanytheydraw,andmuchabuse,
Incastingfigures,tellingfortunes,news,
Sellingofflies,flatbawdrywiththestone,
Tillit,andthey,andallinfumearegone.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 94
The Alchemist: Prologue
Fortune,thatfavoursfools,thesetwoshorthours,
Wewishaway,bothforyoursakesandours,
Judgingspectators;anddesire,inplace,
Totheauthorjustice,toourselvesbutgrace.
OursceneisLondon,'causewewouldmakeknown,
Nocountry'smirthisbetterthanourown:
Noclimebreedsbettermatterforyourwhore,
Bawd,squire,impostor,manypersonsmore,
Whosemanners,nowcall'dhumours,feedthestage;
Andwhichhavestillbeensubjectfortherage
Orspleenofcomicwriters.Thoughthispen
Didneveraimtogrieve,butbettermen;
Howe'ertheagehelivesindothendure
Thevicesthatshebreeds,abovetheircure.
Butwhenthewholesomeremediesaresweet,
Andintheirworkinggainandprofitmeet,
Hehopestofindnospiritsomuchdiseased,
Butwillwithsuchfaircorrectivesbepleased:
Forherehedothnotfearwhocanapply.
Iftherebeanythatwillsitsonigh
Untothestream,tolookwhatitdothrun,
Theyshallfindthings,they'dthinkorwishweredone;
Theyaresonaturalfollies,butsoshewn,
Aseventhedoersmaysee,andyetnotown.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 95
The Hourglass
Dobutconsiderthissmalldust
Hererunningintheglass,
Byatomsmoved;
Couldyoubelievethatthis
Thebodywas
Ofonethatloved?
Andinhismistress'flame,playinglikeafly,
Turnedtocindersbyhereye?
Yes;andindeath,aslife,unblessed,
Tohave'texpressed,
Evenashesofloversfindnorest.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 96
The Metamorphosed Gypsies (excerpt)
Thefairybeamuponyou,
Thestarstoglisteronyou;
Amoonoflight
Inthenoonofnight,
Tillthefire-drakehatho'ergoneyou.
Thewheeloffortuneguideyou
Theboywiththebowbesideyou;
Runayeintheway
Tillthebirdofday,
Andtheluckierlotbetideyou.
Totheold,longlifeandtreasure,
Totheyoung,allhealthandpleasure;
Tothefair,theirface
Witheternalgrace,
Andthefoultobelov'datleisure.
Tothewitty,allclearmirrors,
Tothefoolish,theirdarkerrors;
Tothelovingsprite,
Asecuredelight;
Tothejealous,hisownfalseterrors.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 97
The New Cry
Erecherriesripe,andstrawberriesbegone;
UntothecriesofLondonI'lladdone;
Ripestatesmen,ripe:theygrowinev'rystreet;
Atsix-and-twenty,ripe.Youshall'emmeet,
Andhavehimyieldnofavour,butofstate.
Ripearetheirruffs,theircuffs,theirbeards,theirgate,
Andgraveasripe,likemellowastheirfaces.
TheyknowthestatesofChristendom,nottheplaces:
Yethavetheyseenthemaps,andbought'emtoo,
Andunderstand'em,asmostchapmendo.
Thecounsels,projects,practicestheyknow,
Andwhateachprincedothforintelligenceowe,
Anduntowhom;theyarethealmanacks
Fortwelveyearsyettocome,whateachstatelacks.
TheycarryintheirpocketsTacitus,
AndtheGazetti,orGallo-Belgicus:
Andtalkreserv'd,lock'dup,andfulloffear;
Nay,askyouhowthedaygoes,inyourear.
KeepaStar-chambersentenceclosetwelvedays:
AndwhisperwhataProclamationsays.
Theymeetinsixes,andatev'rymart,
Aresuretoconthecataloguebyheart;
Orev'ryday,someoneatRimee'slooks,
Orbills,andtherehebuysthenameofbooks.
TheyallgetPorta,forthesundryways
Towriteincypher,andtheseveralkeys,
Toopethecharacter.They'vefoundtheslight
Withjuiceoflemons,onions,piss,towrite;
Tobreakupsealsandclose'em.Andtheyknow,
Ifthestatesmakepeace,howitwillgo
WithEngland.Allforbiddenbookstheyget,
Andofthepowder-plot,theywilltalkyet.
AtnamingtheFrenchking,theirheadstheyshake,
AndatthePope,andSpain,slightfacesmake.
Or'gainstthebishops,forthebrethrenrail
Muchlikethosebrethren;thinkingtoprevail
Withignoranceonus,astheyhavedone
Onthem:andthereforedonotonlyshun
Othersmoremodest,butcontemnustoo,
Thatknownotsomuchstate,wrong,astheydo.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 98
The Noble Balm
HIGH-SPIRITEDfriend,
Isendnorbalmsnorcor'sivestoyourwound:
Yourfatehathfound
Agentlerandmoreagilehandtotend
Thecureofthatwhichisbutcorporal;
Anddoubtfuldays,whichwerenamedcritical,
Havemadetheirfairestflight
Andnowareoutofsight.
Yetdothsomewholesomephysicforthemind
Wrapp'dinthispaperlie,
Whichinthetakingifyoumisapply,
Youareunkind.
Yourcovetoushand,
Happyinthatfairhonourithathgain'd,
Mustnowberein'd.
Truevalourdothherownrenowncommand
Inonefullaction;norhaveyounowmore
Todo,thanbeahusbandofthatstore.
Thinkbuthowdearyoubought
Thisfamewhichyouhavecaught:
Suchthoughtswillmakeyoumoreinlovewithtruth.
'Tiswisdom,andthathigh,
Formentousetheirfortunereverently,
Eveninyouth.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 99
The Noble Nature
Itisnotgrowinglikeatree
inbulk,dothmakeManbetterbe;
orstandinglonganoakthreehundredyear,
tofallalogatlast,dry,bald,andsere;
Alilyofaday
isfairerinMay,
althoughitfallanddiethatnight-
ItwastheplantandflowerofLight.
Insmallproportionswejustbeautiessee:
andinshortmeasureslifemayperfectbe.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 100
The Short Fear
Myawkwardgrossnessgrows:Igodown,through
Imaintainmyselfintheconviction
thatIhaveasmuchtosayasothers
andmoreappositewaysofsayingit
CertainlyIfeelithasallbeensaid
Theshortfearisthatevensayingit
inmyownwayisequallypointless
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 101
The Speech
ThelonglamentsIspentforruin'dTroy,
Aredried;andnowmineeyesruntearesofjoy.
NomoreshallmensupposeElectradead,
Thoughfromtheconsortofhersistersfled
UntotheArtickcircle,heretograce,
Andgildthisdaywithherserenestface:
Andsee,mydaughterIrishastestothrow
Herroseatwingsincompasseofabow,
AboutourState,assigneofmyapproach:
AttractingtoherseatefromMithrascoach,
Athousanddifferent,andparticularhiewes,
Whichshethroughoutherbodydothdiffuse.
TheSun,aslothtopartfromthishalfeSpheare,
Standsstill;andPhoebelaborstoappeare
Inallasbright(ifnotasrich)ashe:
And,foranoteofmoreserenity,
Mysixfairesistershithershifttheirlights;
Todothishowertheutmostofherrites.
Wherelestthecaptious,orprophanemightdoubt,
Howthesecleareheavenlybodiescomeabout
Alltobeseenatonce;yetneitherslight
Eclips'd,orshadow'dbytheotherssight:
Letignoranceknow,greatKing,thisdayisthine,
Anddothadmitnonight;butalldoshine
Aswellnocturnall,asdiurnallfires,
Toaddeuntotheflameofourdesires.
Whichare(nowthouhastclosdupJanusgates,
Andgiv'nsogenerallpeacetoallEstates)
Thatnooffensivemist,orcloudystaine
Maymixewithsplendorofthygoldenraigne;
But,asth'astfree'dthyChamber,fromthenoyse
Ofwarandtumult;thouwiltpowrethosejoyes
Uponthisplace,whichclaimestobetheseate
Ofallthekinglyrace:thecabinet
Toallthycounsels;andthejudgingchaire
TothisthyspeciallKingdome.Whosofaire
Andwholsomelaws,ineveryCourt,shallstrive
Byquity,andtheirfirstinnocencetothrive;
Thebaseandguiltybribesofguiltiermen
Shallbethrownback,andJusticelook,aswhen
Shelov'dtheearth,andfear'dnottobesold
Forthat,whichworkethallthingstoit,gold.
TheDamofotherevils,avarice
Shallherelockedownherjaws,andthatrudevice
Ofignorant,andpittiedgreatnesse,pride,
Declinewithshame;ambitionnowshallhide
Herfaceindust,asdedicatetosleep,
Thatingreatportalswontherwatchtokeep.
Allilsshallflythelight:ThyCourtbefree
Nolessefromenvy,thanfromflattery;
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Alltumult,faction,andharshdiscordcease,
Thatmightperturbethemusickofthypeace:
Thequerulousnatureshallnolongerfinde
Roomforhisthoughts:Onepureconsentofminde
Shallflowineverybrest,andnottheayre,
Sun,Moon,orStarsshinemoreserenelyfaire.
Thisfromthatloud,blestOracle,Ising,
Whohere,andfirst,pronounc'dtheeBrittainesKing.
Longmaistthoulive,andseemethusappeare,
AsominousaComet,frommySpheare,
Untothyraigne;asthatdidauspicate
SolastingglorytoAugustusState.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 103
The Speeches of Gratulations
GENIUS.
Time,Fate,andFortunehaveatlengthconspir'd,
TogiveourAgethedaysomuchdesir'd.
Whatalltheminutes,houres,weekes,months,andyeares,
Thathanginfileuponthesesilverhaires,
Couldnotproduce,beneaththeBritainestroke,
TheRoman,Saxon,Dane,andNormanyoke,
ThispointofTimehathdone.NowLondon,reare
Thyforeheadhigh,andonitstrivetoweare
Thychoisestgems;teachthysteepeTowrestorise
Higherwithpeople:setwithsparklingeyes
Thyspaciouswindowes;andineverystreet,
Letthrongingjoy,love,andamazementmeet.
Cleavealltheayrewithshouts,andletthecry
Strikethroughaslong,anduniversally,
Asthunder;for,thounowartblisttosee
Thatsight,forwhichthoudidstbegintobee.
WhenBrutusploughfirstgavetheeinfantbounds,
AndI,thyGeniuswalktauspiciousrounds
Ineveryfurrow;thendidIfore-looke,
Andsawthisdaymark'twhiteinClotho'sbooke.
Theseverallcircles,bothofchangeandsway,
WithinthisIsle,therealsofigur'dlay:
Ofwhichthegreatest,perfectest,andlast
Wasthis,whosepresenthappinessewetast.
Whykeepeyousilencedaughters?Whatdullpeace
Isthisinhabitsyou?Shallofficecease
Uponth'aspectofhim,towhomyouowe
Morethanyouare,orcanbe?ShallTimeknow
Thatarticle,whereinyourflamestoodstill,
Andnotaspir'd?Nowheavenavertanill
Ofthatblacklooke.Erepausepossesseyourbrests
Iwishyoumoreofplagues:'Zealewhenitrests,
Leavestobezeale.UpthoutameRiver,wake;
Andfromthyliquidlimbesthisslumbershake:
Thoudrown'stthyselfeininofficioussleepe;
Andthesethysluggishwatersseemetocreepe,
Ratherthanflow.Up,rise,andswellwithpride
Abovethybankes.'Nowisnoteverytide.
TAMESIS.
TowhatvaineendshouldIcontendtoshow
Myweakerpowers,whenseasofpompeo'reflow
TheCitiesface:andcoveralltheshore
WithsandsmorerichthanTaguswealthyore?
Wheninthefloudofjoy,thatcomeswithhim,
Hedrownestheworld;yetmakesitliveandswimme,
Andspringwithgladnesse:notmyfisheshere,
Thoughtheybedumbe,butdoeexpressethecheere
Ofthesebrightstreames.Nolessemaythese,andI
Boastourdelights,albe'twesilentlie.
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 104
GENIUS.
Indeed,truegladnessedothnotalwayesspeake?
Joybred,andbornebutinthetongue,isweake.
Yet(lestthefervourofsopureaflame
AsthismyCitiebeares,mightlosethename,
Withouttheapteventingofherheat)
KnowgreatestJames(andnolessegood,thangreat,)
Inthebehalfeofallmyvertuoussonnes,
Whereofmyeldestthere,thypompefore-runnes,
(Amanwithoutmyflattering,orhisPride,
Asworthy,ashe'sblesttobethyguide)
Inhisgravename,andallhisbrethrensright,
(Whothirsttodrinkthenectarofthysight)
TheCouncell,Commoners,andmultitude;
(Glad,thatthisdaysolongdeny'd,isview'd)
Itendertheetheheartiestwelcome,yet
ThateverKinghadtohisEmpiresseat:
Nevercameman,morelong'dfor,moredesir'd:
Andbeingcome,morereverenc'd,lov'd,admir'd:
Heare,andrecordit:'InaPrinceitis
'Nolittlevertue,toknowwhoarehis.
Withlikedevotions,doeIstoopet'embrace
Thisspringinggloryofthygod-likerace;
HisCountrieswonder,hope,love,joyandpride:
Howwelldothheebecometheroyallside
Ofthiserected,andbroadspreadingTree,
Underwhoseshade,mayBritaineeverbe.
AndfromthisBranch,maythousandBranchesmore
Shooto'rethemaine,andknitwitheveryshore
Inbondsofmarriage,kinred,andincrease;
Andstilethisland,thenavilloftheirpeace.
Thisisyourservantswish,yourCitiesvow,
Whichstillshallpropagateitselfe,withyou;
Andfreefromspurresofhope,thatslowmindsmove:
'Heseekesnohire,thatoweshislifetolove.
Andheresheecomesthatisnolesseapart
Inthisdayesgreatnesse,thaninmygladheart.
GloryofQueenes,andgloryofyourname,
Whosegracesdoeasfarreout-speakyourfame,
AsFamedothsilence,whenhertrumpetrings
Youdaughter,sister,wifeofseverallKings:
Besidesalliance,andthestileofmother,
Inwhichonetitleyoudrowneallyourother.
Instance,bethatfaireshoot,isgonebefore,
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Youreldestjoy,andtopofallyourstore,
Withthose,whosesighttousisyetdeny'd,
Butnotourzealetothem,oroughtbeside
ThisCitiecantoyou:Forwhoseestate
Sheehopesyouwillbestillgoodadvocate
ToherbestLord.So,whilstyoumortallare,
Notasteofsowremortalitieoncedare
Approachyourhouse;norfortunegreetyourGrace,
Butcommingon,andwithaforwardface.
GENIUS.
Stay,whatartthou,thatinthisstrangeattire,
Dar'stkindlestranger,andun-hallowedfire
UponthisAltar?
Fl.
Ratherwhatartthou
Thatdar'stsorudelyinterruptmyvow?
Myhabitspeakesmyname.
Ge.
AFlamen?
Fl.
Yes,
AndMartialiscall'd.
Ge.
Isodidghesse
Bymyshortview;butwhencedidstthouascend
Hither?orhow?ortowhatmystickend?
Fl.
Thenoyse,andpresenttumultofthisday,
Rowsdmefromsleep,andsilence,whereIlay
Obscur'dfromlight;whichwhenIwakttosee,
Iwondringthoughtwhatthisgreatpompemightbee.
When(lookinginmyKalender)Ifound
TheIdesofMarchwereentred,andIbound
Withthese,tocelebratethegeniallfeast
OfAnnastill'dPerenna,Marshisguest,
Who,inthismonthofhis,isyearelycall'd
Tobanquetathisaltars;andinstal'd
Agoddessewithhim,sinceshefilstheyeare,
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Andknitstheobliquescarfethatgirtsthespheare.
Whilestfourefac'dJanusturneshisvernalllook
Upontheirmeetinghoures,asifhetook
Highprideandpleasure.
Ge.
Surethoustilldostdreame,
Andboththytongue,andthoughtridesonthestreame
Ofphantasie:Beholdherehenorshe,
Haveanyaltar,fane,ordeity.
Stoope:readbutthisinscription:andthenview
Towhomtheplaceisconsecrate.'Tistrue
ThatthisisJanustemple,andthatnow
Heturnesupontheyearehisfreshestbrow:
ThatthisisMarshismonth;andthesetheIdes,
WhereinhisAnnewashonor'd;boththetides,
Titles,andplace,weknow:butthesedeadrites
Arelongsinceburyed,andnewpowerexcites
Morehighandheartyflames.Loe,thereishe,
WhobringswithhimagreaterAnnethanshe:
Whosestrongandpotentvertueshavedefac'd
SterneMarshisstatues,anduponthemplac'd
His,andtheWorldsblestblessings:Thishathbrought
SweetpeacetositinthatbrightStatesheought,
Unbloody,oruntroubled;hathforc'dhence
Alltumults,feares,orotherdarkportents
Thatmightinvadeweakminds;hathmademensee
Oncemorethefaceofwelcomeliberty:
Anddoth(inallhispresentacts)restore
ThatfirstpureWorld,madeofthebetterore.
Nowinnocenceshallceasetobethespoyle
Ofravenousgreatnesse,ortosteepthesoyle
Ofraysedpesantrywithteares,andblood;
Nomoreshallrichmen(fortheirlittlegood)
Suspectedtobemadeguilty;orvilespies
Enjoythelustoftheirsomurdringeyes:
Menshallputofftheiryronminds,andhearts;
Thetimeforgethisoldmaliciousarts
Withthisnewminute;andnoprintremaine
Ofwhatwasthoughttheformeragesstaine.
Back,Flamen,withthysuperstitiousfumes,
Andcensenothere;Thyignorancepresumes
Toomuch,inactinganyEthnickrite
Inthistranslatedtemple:herenowight,
Tosacrifice,savemydevotioncomes,
Thatbringsinsteadofthosethymasculinegums.
MyCitiesheart;whichshallforeverburne
UponthisAltar,andnotimeshallturne
Thesametoashes:hereIfixeitfast,
Flamebright,flamehigh,andmayiteverlast.
WhilstI,beforethefigureofthypeace,
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Stilltendthefire;andgiveitquickincrease
Withprayers,wishes,vows;whereofbethese
Theleast,andweakest:thatnoagemayleese
Thememoryofthissorichaday;
Butrather,thatithenceforthyearelymay
Beginourspring,andwithourspringtheprime,
Andfirstaccomptofyeares,ofmonths,oftime:
AndmaytheseIdesasfortunateappeare
Tothee,astheytoCsarfatallwere.
Beallthythoughtsborneperfect,andthyhopes
Intheireventsstillcrown'dbeyondtheirscopes.
Letnotwideheav'nthatsecretblessingknow
Togive,whichsheontheewillnotbestow.
BlindFortunebethyslave;andmayherstore
(Thelessethouseek'stit)followtheethemore.
MuchmoreIwould:butsee,thesebrazengates
Makehastetoclose,asurgedbythyfates;
HereendsmyCitiesoffice,hereitbreakes:
Yetwithmytongue,andthispureheart,shespeakes
Ashortfarewell;andlowerthanthyfeet,
Withferventthankes,thyRoyallpainesdothgreet.
Pardon,ifmyabruptnessebreeddisease;
'Hemeritsnott'offend,thathastestoplease.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 108
The Thames At Mortlake
ifonlyfortenminutes
afterthemassfeedingofschoolchildren
afterthecarefulinanityofthestaff
atlowtide
thiswastheplace
forcalm,fororderofakind
thereliefofwalkingthere
andthesmellwasacceptable
perhapsevenpreferable
theobjectstobe
seen
found
principally(Ihaveitstill)
ashortfathalfpoundbrassboltandnut
virgin,unscrewed
otherthingslesspermanent
soddengreybones
scratchedglass,rubbedbrick,rustedgatebutts
onceachaffincheggshell
everyconceivableother
butmainlydirtyshingle
silt
prairiesofmalachiteslime
thoughwastheimportantthing
thatImetnooneelsethere?
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 109
The Triumph Of Charis
SeethechariotathandhereofLove,
Whereinmyladyrideth!
Eachthatdrawsisaswanoradove,
AndwellthecarLoveguideth.
Asshegoes,allheartsdoduty
Untoherbeauty;
And,enamoured,dowish,sotheymight
Butenjoysuchasight,
Thattheystillweretorunbyherside,
Throughswords,throughseas,whithershewouldride.
Dobutlookonhereyes,theydolight
AllthatLove'sworldcompriseth!
Dobutlookonherhair,itisbright
AsLove'sstarwhenitriseth!
Dobutmark,herforehead'ssmoother
Thanwordsthatsootheher!
Andfromherarchedbrows,suchagrace
Shedsitselfthroughtheface,
Asalonetheretriumphstothelife
Allthegain,allthegood,oftheelements'strife.
Haveyouseenbutabrightlilygrow
Beforerudehandshavetouchedit?
Haveyoumarkedbutthefallo'thesnow
Beforethesoilhathsmutchedit?
Haveyoufeltthewoolofbeaver?
Orswan'sdownever?
Orhavesmelto'thebudo'thebrier?
Orthenardinthefire?
Orhavetastedthebagofthebee?
Osowhite!Ososoft!Ososweetisshe!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 110
To Celia
Drinketome,onely,withthineeyes,
AndIwillpledgewithmine;
Orleaveakissebutinthecup,
AndIlenotlookeforwine.
Thethirst,thatfromthesouledothrise,
Dothaskeadrinkedivine:
ButmightIofJove'sNectarsup,
Iwouldnotchangeforthine.
Isentthee,late,arosiewreath,
Notsomuchhonoringthee,
Asgivingitahope,thatthere
Itcouldnotwitheredbee.
Butthouthereondid'stonelybreath,
Andsent'stitbacktomee:
Sincewhenitgrowes,andsmells,Isweare,
Notofitselfe,butthee.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 111
To Censorious Courtling
COURTLING,Iratherthoushould'stutterly
Dispraisemywork,thanpraiseitfrostily:
WhenIamread,thoufeign'staweakapplause,
Asifthouwertmyfriend,butlack'dstacause.
Thisbutthyjudgmentfools:theotherway
Wouldboththyfollyandthyspitebetray.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 112
To Doctor Empiric
Whenmenadangerousdiseasedid'scape,
Ofold,theygaveacocktoAesculape.
Letmegivetwo,thatdoublyamgotfree
Frommydisease'sdanger,andfromthee.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 113
To Fine Lady Would-Be
FinemadamWould-Be,whereforeshouldyoufear,
Thatlovetomakesowell,achildtobear?
Theworldreputesyoubarren:butIknow
Your'pothecary,andhisdrugsaysno.
Isitthepainaffrights?That'ssoonforgot.
Oryourcomplexion'sloss?youhaveapot,
Thatcanrestorethat.Willithurtyourfeature?
Tomakeamends,youarethoughtawholesomecreature.
Whatshouldthecausebe?Oh,youliveatcourt;
Andthere'sbothlossoftime,andlossofsport,
Inagreatbelly:Writethenonthywomb,
'Ofthenotborn,yetburied,here'sthetomb.'
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 114
To Francis Beaumont
HowIdolovethee,Beaumont,andthymuse,
Thatuntomedostsuchreligionuse!
HowIdofearmyself,thatamnotworth
Theleastindulgentthoughtthypendropsforth!
Atoncethoumak'stmehappy,andunmak'st;
Andgivinglargelytome,morethoutakest!
Whatfateismine,thatsoitselfbereaves?
Whatartisthine,thatsothyfrienddeceives?
Wheneventhere,wheremostthoupraisestme,
Forwritingbetter,Imustenvythee.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 115
To John Donne
Donne,thedelightofPhoebusandeachMuse
Who,tothyone,allotherbrainsrefuse;
Whoseeveryworkofthymostearlywit
Cameforthexample,andremainssoyet;
Longera-knowingthanmostwitsdolive;
Andwhichnoaffectionpraiseenoughcangive!
Toit,thylanguage,letters,arts,bestlife,
Whichmightwithhalfmankindmaintainastrife.
AllwhichImeanttopraise,andyetIwould;
Butleave,becauseIcannotasIshould!
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 116
To Lucy, Countess of Bedford, with John Donne's Satires
Lucy,youbrightnessofoursphere,whoare
LifeoftheMuses'day,theirmorningstar!
Ifworks,notth'author's,theirowngraceshouldlook,
Whosepoemswouldnotwishtobeyourbook?
Butthese,desir'dbyyou,themaker'sends
Crownwiththeirown.Rarepoemsaskrarefriends.
Yetsatires,sincethemostofmankindbe
Theirunavoidedsubject,fewestsee;
Fornonee'ertookthatpleasureinsin'ssense
But,whentheyheardittax'd,tookmoreoffence.
They,then,thatlivingwherethematterisbred,
Dareforthesepoems,yet,bothaskandread
Andlikethemtoo,mustneedfully,thoughfew,
Beofthebest;and'mongstthosebestareyou,
Lucy,youbrightnessofoursphere,whoare
TheMuses'evening,astheirmorningstar.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 117
To My Book
Itwillbelookedfor,book,whensomebutsee
Thytitle,
Epigrams
,andnamedofme,
Thoushould'stbebold,licentious,fullofgall,
Wormwoodandsulphur,sharpandtoothedwithal,
Becomeapetulantthing,hurlinkandwit
Asmadmenstones,notcaringwhomtheyhit.
Deceivetheirmalicewhocouldwishitso,
Andbythywisertemperletmenknow
Thouartnotcovetousofleastself-fame
Madefromthehazardofanother'sshame-
Muchlesswithlewd,profane,andbeastlyphrase
Tocatchtheworld'slooselaughterorvaingaze.
Hethatdepartswithhisownhonesty
Forvulgarpraise,dothittoodearlybuy.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 118
To Penshurst
Thouartnot,Penshurst,builttoenviousshow,
Oftouch,ormarble;norcanstboastarow
Ofpolish'dpillars,oraroofeofgold:
Thouhastnolantherne,whereoftalesaretold;
Orstayre,orcourts;butstand'stanancientpile,
Andthesegrudg'dat,artreverenc'dthewhile.
Thoujoy'stinbettermarks,ofsoile,ofayre,
Ofwood,ofwater:thereinthouartfaire.
Thouhastthywalkesforhealth,aswellassport:
Thy
Mount
,towhichthe
Dryads
doresort,
WherePan,andBacchustheirhighfeastshavemade,
Beneaththebroadbeech,andthechest-nutshade;
Thattallertree,whichofanutwasset,
Athisgreatbirth,whereallthe
Muses
met.
There,inthewrithedbarke,arecutthenames
OfmanyaSylvane,takenwithhisflames
Andthencetheruddy
Satyres
oftprovoke
Thelighter
Faunes
,toreachthy
Ladiesoke
.
Thycopp's,too,nam'dofGamage,thouhastthere,
Thatneverfailestoservetheeseason'ddeere,
Whenthouwould'stfeast,orexercisethyfriends.
Thelowerland,thattotheriverbends,
Thysheep,thybullocks,kine,andcalvesdofeed:
ThemiddlegroundsthyMares,andHorsesbreed.
Eachbanck,dothyeeldtheeConeyes;andthetopps
Fertileofwood,Ashore,andSydney'scopp's,
Tocrownthyopentable,dothprovide
ThepurpledPhesant,withthespeckledside:
ThepaintedPartrichlyesineveryfield,
And,forthymesse,iswillingtobekill'd.
Andifthehigh-swolne
Medway
failethydish,
Thouhastthyponds,thatpaytheetributefish,
Fat,agedCarps,thatrunintothynet.
AndPikes,nowwearytheirownkindetoeat,
Asloth,theseconddraught,orcasttostay,
Officiously,atfirst,themselvesbetray.
BrightEeles,thatemulatethem,andleaponland;
Beforethefisher,orintohishand.
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ThenhaththyOrchardfruit,thygardenflowers,
Freshastheayre,andnewasarethehoures.
TheearelyCherry,withthelaterPlum,
Fig,Grape,andQuince,eachinhistimedothcome:
TheblushingApricot,andwoollyPeach
Hangonthywals,thateverychildmayreach.
Andthoughthywalsbeofthecountreystone,
They'arerear'dwithnomansruine,nomansgrone;
There'snone,thatdwellaboutthem,wishthemdowne;
Butallcomein,thefarmerandtheclowne:
Andnooneempty-handed,tosalute
ThyLord,andLady,thoughtheyhavenosute.
SomebringaCapon,somearurallCake,
SomeNuts,someApples;somethatthinktheymake
ThebetterCheeses,bring'hem;orelsesend
Bytheirripedaughters,whomtheywouldcommend
Thiswaytohusbands;andwhosebasketsbeare
AnEmblemeofthemselves,inplum,orpeare.
Butwhatcanthis(morethanexpressetheirlove)
Addetothyfreeprovisions,farreabove
Theneedofsuch?whoseliberallboorddothflow,
Withall,thathospitalitydothknow!
Wherecomesnoguest,butisallow'dtoeat,
Withouthisfeare,andofthyLordsownmeat:
Wherethesamebeere,andbread,andselfe-samewine,
ThatishisLordships,shallbealsomine.
AndInotfainetosit(assome,thisday,
Atgreatmenstables)andyetdineaway.
Herenomantelsmycups;nor,standingby,
Awaiter,dothmygluttonyenvy:
ButgivesmewhatIcallfor,andletsmeeate;
Heknowes,below,heshallfindeplentieofmeate;
Thytableshoordnotupforthenextday,
Nor,whenItakemylodging,needIpray
Forfire,orlights,orlivorie:allisthere;
Asifthou,then,wertmines,orIraign'dhere:
There'snothingIcanwish,forwhichIstay.
ThatfoundKingJames,whenhuntinglate,thisway,
Withhisbravesonne,thePrince,theysawthyfires
Shinebrightoneveryharthasthedesires
OfthyPenateshadbeenesetonflame,
Toentertaynethem;ortheCountreycame,
Withalltheirzeale,towarmetheirwelcomehere.
What(great,Iwillnotsay,but)sodainecheare
Didstthou,then,make'hem!andwhatpraisewasheap'd
Onthygoodlady,then!whotherein,reap'd
Thejustrewardofherhighhuswifery;
Tohaveherlinnen,plate,andallthingsnigh,
Whenshewasfarre:andnotaroome,butdrest,
Asifithadexpectedsuchaguest!
These,Penshurst,arethypraise,andyetnotall.
Thylady'snoble,fruitfull,chastewithall.
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Hischildrenthygreatlordmaycallhisowne:
Afortune,inthisage,butrarelyknowne.
Theyare,andhavebeentaughtreligion:Thence
Theirgentlerspiritshavesuck'dinnocence.
Eachmorne,andeven,theyaretaughttopray,
Withthewholehoushold,andmay,everyday,
Reade,intheirvertuousparentsnobleparts,
Themysteriesofmanners,armes,andarts.
Now,Penshurst,theythatwillproportionthee
Withotheredifices,whentheysee
Thoseproud,ambitiousheaps,andnothingelse,
Maysay,theirlordshavebuilt,butthylorddwells.
BenJonson
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To the Immortal Memory and Friendship of That Noble Pair, Sir Lucius Cary
and Sir H. Morison
TheTurn
BraveinfantofSaguntum,clear
Thycomingforthinthatgreatyear,
WhentheprodigiousHannibaldidcrown
Hisrage,withrazingyourimmortaltown.
Thoulookingthenabout
Erethouwerthalfgotout,
Wisechild,didsthastilyreturn,
Andmad'stthymother'swombthineurn.
Howsummedacircledidstthouleavemankind
Ofdeepestlore,couldwethecentrefind!
TheCounter-Turn
Didwisernaturedrawtheeback
Fromoutthehorrorofthatsack,
Whereshame,faith,honour,andregardofright,
Laytrampledon?-thedeedsofdeathandnight
Urged,hurriedforth,andhurled
Uponth'affrightedworld?
Sword,fire,andfamine,withfellfurymet,
Andallonutmostruinset:
As,couldtheybutlife'smiseriesforesee,
Nodoubtallinfantswouldreturnlikethee.
TheStand
Forwhatislife,ifmeasuredbythespace,
Notbytheact?
Ormaskdman,ifvaluedbyhisface,
Abovehisfact?
Here'soneoutlivedhispeers
Andtoldforthfourscoreyears:
Hevexdtime,andbusiedthewholestate,
Troubledbothfoesandfriends,
Butevertonoends:
Whatdidthisstirrerbutdielate?
Howwellattwentyhadhefall'norstood!
Forthreeofhisfourscore,hedidnogood.
TheTurn
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Heenteredwell,byvirtuousparts,
Gotupandthrivedwithhonestarts:
Hepurchasedfriends,andfame,andhonoursthen,
Andhadhisnoblenameadvancedwithmen;
But,wearyofthatflight,
Hestoopedinallmen'ssight
Tosordidflatteries,actsofstrife,
Andsunkinthatdeadseaoflife
Sodeep,ashedidthendeath'swaterssup,
Butthatthecorkoftitlebuoyedhimup.
TheCounter-Turn
Alas,butMorisonfellyoung;-
Heneverfell,thoufall'st,mytongue.
Hestood,asoldiertothelastrightend,
Aperfectpatriotandanoblefriend,
Butmostavirtuousson.
Allofficesweredone
Byhim,soample,full,andround
Inweight,inmeasure,number,sound,
As,thoughhisageimperfectmightappear,
Hislifewasofhumanitythesphere.
TheStand
Gonow,andtelloutdayssummedupwithfears,
Andmakethemyears;
Producethymassofmiseriesonthestage
Toswellthineage;
Repeatofthingsathrong,
Toshowthouhastbeenlong,
Notlived;forlifedothhergreatactionsspell,
Bywhatwasdoneandwrought
Inseason,andsobrought
Tolight:hermeasuresare,howwell
Eachsyllab'eanswered,andwasformedhowfair;
Thesemakethelinesoflife,andthat'sherair.
TheTurn
Itisnotgrowinglikeatree
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Inbulk,dothmakemenbetterbe,
Orstandinglonganoak,threehundredyear,
Tofallalogatlast,dry,bald,andsere:
Alilyofaday
IsfairerfarinMay,
Althoughitfallanddiethatnight;
Itwastheplantandfloweroflight.
Insmallproportionswejustbeautiessee;
Andinshortmeasureslifemayperfectbe.
TheCounter-Turn
Call,nobleLucius,thenforwine,
Andletthylookswithgladnessshine:
Acceptthisgarland,plantitonthyhead,
Andthink,nay,know,thyMorison'snotdead.
Heleapedthepresentage,
Possestwithholyrage,
Toseethatbrighteternalday,
Ofwhichwepriestsandpoetssay
Suchtruthsasweexpectforhappymen,
Andthereheliveswithmemory:andBen
TheStand
Jonson,whosungthisofhimerehewent
Himselftorest,
Ortasteapartofthatfulljoyhemeant
Tohaveexpressed
Inthisbrightasterism:
Whereitwerefriendship'sschism,
(WerenothisLuciuslongwithustotarry)
Toseparatethesetwi-
Lights,theDioscuri,
AndkeeptheonehalffromhisHarry.
Butfatedothsoalternatethedesign,
Whilstthatinheaven,thislightonearthmustshine.
TheTurn
Andshineasyouexaltedare,
Twonamesoffriendship,butonestar,
Ofheartstheunion.Andthosenotbychance
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Made,orindentured,orleasedoutt'advance
Theprofitsforatime.
Nopleasuresvaindidchime
Ofrhymes,orriotsatyourfeasts,
Orgiesofdrink,orfeignedprotests;
Butsimpleloveofgreatnessandofgood
Thatknitsbravemindsandmanners,morethanblood.
TheCounter-Turn
Thismadeyoufirsttoknowthewhy
Youliked,thenaftertoapply
Thatliking;andapproachsoonethet'other,
Tilleithergrewaportionoftheother;
Eachstyldbyhisend,
Thecopyofhisfriend.
Youlivedtobethegreatsurnames
Andtitlesbywhichallmadeclaims
Untothevirtue:nothingperfectdone,
ButasaCaryoraMorison.
TheStand
Andsuchaforcethefairexamplehad,
Astheythatsaw
Thegoodanddurstnotpractiseit,wereglad
Thatsuchalaw
Wasleftyettomankind;
Wheretheymightreadandfind
Friendshipindeedwaswritten,notinwords.
Andwiththeheart,notpen,
Oftwosoearlymen,
Whoselivesherrollswere,andrecords,
Who,erethefirstdownbloomdonthechin
Hadsow'dthesefruits,andgottheharvestin.
BenJonson
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To the Memory of My Beloved Author, Mr. William Shakespeare
Todrawnoenvy,Shakespeare,onthyname,
AmIthusampletothybookandfame;
WhileIconfessthywritingstobesuch
Asneithermannormusecanpraisetoomuch;
'Tistrue,andallmen'ssuffrage.Buttheseways
WerenotthepathsImeantuntothypraise;
Forseeliestignoranceonthesemaylight,
Which,whenitsoundsatbest,butechoesright;
Orblindaffection,whichdothne'eradvance
Thetruth,butgropes,andurgethallbychance;
Orcraftymalicemightpretendthispraise,
Andthinktoruin,whereitseem'dtoraise.
Theseare,assomeinfamousbawdorwhore
Shouldpraiseamatron;whatcouldhurthermore?
Butthouartproofagainstthem,andindeed,
Aboveth'illfortuneofthem,ortheneed.
Ithereforewillbegin.Souloftheage!
Theapplause,delight,thewonderofourstage!
MyShakespeare,rise!Iwillnotlodgetheeby
Chaucer,orSpenser,orbidBeaumontlie
Alittlefurther,tomaketheearoom:
Thouartamonumentwithoutatomb,
Andartalivestillwhilethybookdothlive
Andwehavewitstoreadandpraisetogive.
ThatInotmixtheeso,mybrainexcuses,
Imeanwithgreat,butdisproportion'dMuses,
ForifIthoughtmyjudgmentwereofyears,
Ishouldcommittheesurelywiththypeers,
AndtellhowfarthoudidstourLylyoutshine,
OrsportingKyd,orMarlowe'smightyline.
AndthoughthouhadstsmallLatinandlessGreek,
Fromthencetohonourthee,Iwouldnotseek
Fornames;butcallforththund'ring{AE}schylus,
EuripidesandSophoclestous;
Pacuvius,Accius,himofCordovadead,
Tolifeagain,tohearthybuskintread,
Andshakeastage;or,whenthysockswereon,
Leavetheealoneforthecomparison
OfallthatinsolentGreeceorhaughtyRome
Sentforth,orsincedidfromtheirashescome.
Tri{'u}mph,myBritain,thouhastonetoshow
TowhomallscenesofEuropehomageowe.
Hewasnotofanagebutforalltime!
AndalltheMusesstillwereintheirprime,
When,likeApollo,hecameforthtowarm
Ourears,orlikeaMercurytocharm!
Natureherselfwasproudofhisdesigns
Andjoy'dtowearthedressingofhislines,
Whichweresorichlyspun,andwovensofit,
As,since,shewillvouchsafenootherwit.
ThemerryGreek,tartAristophanes,
NeatTerence,wittyPlautus,nownotplease,
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Butantiquatedanddesertedlie,
AstheywerenotofNature'sfamily.
YetmustInotgiveNatureall:thyart,
MygentleShakespeare,mustenjoyapart.
Forthoughthepoet'smatternaturebe,
Hisartdothgivethefashion;and,thathe
Whocaststowritealivingline,mustsweat,
(Suchasthineare)andstrikethesecondheat
UpontheMuses'anvil;turnthesame
(Andhimselfwithit)thathethinkstoframe,
Or,forthelaurel,hemaygainascorn;
Foragoodpoet'smade,aswellasborn;
Andsuchwertthou.Lookhowthefather'sface
Livesinhisissue,evensotherace
OfShakespeare'smindandmannersbrightlyshines
Inhiswell-turned,andtrue-filedlines;
Ineachofwhichheseemstoshakealance,
Asbrandish'dattheeyesofignorance.
SweetSwanofAvon!whatasightitwere
Toseetheeinourwatersyetappear,
AndmakethoseflightsuponthebanksofThames,
ThatsodidtakeElizaandourJames!
Butstay,Iseetheeinthehemisphere
Advanc'd,andmadeaconstellationthere!
Shineforth,thoustarofpoets,andwithrage
Orinfluence,chideorcheerthedroopingstage;
Which,sincethyflightfromhence,hathmourn'dlikenight,
Anddespairsday,butforthyvolume'slight.
BenJonson
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To The Reader
Praythee,takecare,thattak'stmybookinhand,
Toreaditwell-thatis,tounderstand.
BenJonson
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To William Camden
Camden,mostreverendhead,towhomIowe
AllthatIaminarts,allthatIknow
(Hownothing'sthat!),towhommycountryowes
Thegreatrenownandnamewherewithshegoes;
Thantheetheageseesnotthatthingmoregrave,
Morehigh,moreholy,thatshemorewouldcrave.
Whatname,whatskill,whatfaithhastthouinthings!
Whatsightinsearchingthemostantiquesprings!
Whatweightandwhatauthorityinthyspeech!
Manscarcecanmakethatdoubt,butthoucanstteach.
Pardonfreetruthandletthymodesty,
Whichconquersall,beonceo'ercomebythee.
ManyofthinethisbettercouldthanI;
Butfortheirpowers,acceptmypiety.
BenJonson
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V: Song: To Celia
ComemyCelia,letusprove,
Whileweemay,thesportsoflove;
Timewillnotbeours,for'ever:
He,atlength,ourgoodwillfever.
Spendnotthenhisgiftsinvaine.
Sunnes,thatset,mayriseagaine:
But,ifonceweelosethislight,
'Tis,withus,perpetuallnight.
Whyshouldwedeferreourjoyes?
Fame,andrumorarebuttoyes.
Cannotweedeludetheeyes
Ofafewpoorehousholdspyes?
Orhiseasierearesbeguile,
Soremovedbyourwile?
'Tisnosinne,lovesfruittosteale,
Butthesweetthefttoreveale:
Tobeetaken,tobeseene,
Thesehavecrimesaccountedbeene.
BenJonson
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Venus' Runaway
Beauties,haveyeseenthistoy,
CalledLove,alittleboy,
Almostnaked,wanton,blind;
Cruelnow,andthenaskind?
Ifhebeamongstye,say?
HeisVenus'runaway.
Shethatwillbutnowdiscover
Wherethewingedwagdothhover,
Shallto-nightreceiveakiss,
Howorwhereherselfwouldwish:
Butwhobringshimtohismother,
Shallhavethatkiss,andanother.
Hehathmarksabouthimplenty:
Youshallknowhimamongtwenty.
Allhisbodyisafire,
Andhisbreathaflameentire,
That,beingshotlikelightningin,
Woundstheheart,butnottheskin.
Athissight,thesunhathturned,
Neptuneinthewatersburned;
Hellhathfeltagreaterheat;
Jovehimselfforsookhisseat:
Fromthecentretothesky,
Arehistrophiesrearedhigh.
Wingshehath,whichthoughyeclip,
Hewillleapfromliptolip,
Overliver,lights,andheart,
Butnotstayinanypart;
Butifchancehisarrowmisses,
Hewillshoothimselfinkisses.
Hedothbearagoldenbow,
Andaquiver,hanginglow,
Fullofarrows,thatoutbrave
Dian'sshafts;where,ifhehave
Anyheadmoresharpthanother,
Withthatfirsthestrikeshismother.
Stillthefairestarehisfuel.
Whenhisdaysaretobecruel,
Lovers'heartsareallhisfood,
Andhisbathstheirwarmestblood:
Naughtbutwoundshishandsdothseason,
AndhehatesnoneliketoReason.
Trusthimnot;hiswords,thoughsweet,
Seldomwithhisheartdomeet.
Allhispracticeisdeceit;
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Everygiftitisabait;
Notakissbutpoisonbears;
Andmosttreasoninhistears.
Idleminutesarehisreign;
Then,thestragglermakeshisgain
Bypresentingmaidswithtoys,
Andwouldhaveyethinkthemjoys:
'Tistheambitionoftheelf
Tohaveallchildishashimself.
Ifbytheseyepleasetoknowhim,
Beauties,benotnice,butshowhim.
Thoughyehadawilltohidehim,
Now,wehope,ye'llnotabidehim;
Sinceyouhearhisfalserplay,
Andthathe'sVenus'runaway.
BenJonson
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VI: To The Same
Kissemee,Sweet:Thewarylover
Canyourfavourskeepe,andcover,
Whenthecommoncourtingjay
Allyourbountieswillbetray.
Kisseagaine:nocreaturecomes.
Kisse,andscoreupwealthysummes
Onmylips,thushardlysundred,
Whileyoubreathe.Firstgiveahundred,
Thenathousand,thenanother
Hundred,thenuntothetother
Addeathousand,andsomore:
Tillyouequallwiththestore,
AllthegrassethatRumneyyeelds,
OrthesandsinChelseyfields,
OrthedropsinsilverThames,
Orthestars,thatguildhisstreames,
Inthesilentsommer-nights,
Whenyouthsplytheirstolndelights.
Thatthecuriousmaynotknow
Howtotell'hemastheyflow,
Andtheenvious,whentheyfind
Whattheirnumberis,bepin'd.
BenJonson
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VII: Song: That Women Are But Mens Shaddows
Followashaddow,itstillfliesyou,
Seemetoflyeit,itwillpursue:
Socourtamistris,shedeniesyou;
Letheralone,shewillcourtyou.
Say,arenotwomentruly,then,
Stil'dbuttheshaddowsofusmen?
Atmorne,andeven,shadesarelongest;
Atnoone,theyareshort,ornone:
Somenatweakest,theyarestrongest,
Butgrantusperfect,they'renotknowne.
Say,arenotwomentruly,then,
Stil'dbuttheshaddowsofusmen?
BenJonson
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VIII: Song: To Sicknesse
Why,Disease,dostthoumolest
Ladies?andofthemthebest?
Donotmen,ynowofrites
Tothyaltars,bytheirnights
Spentinsurfets:andtheirdayes,
Andnightstoo,inworserwayes?
Takeheed,Sicknesse,whatyoudo,
Ishallfeare,you'llsurfettoo.
Livenotwe,as,allthystals,
Spittles,pest-house,hospitals,
Scarcewilltakeourpresentstore?
Andthisagewillbuildnomore:
'Praythee,feedcontented,then,
Sicknesse;onlyonusmen.
Orifneedsthylustwilltaste
Woman-kind;devourethewaste
Livers,roundaboutthetown.
Butforgiveme,withthycrown
Theymaintainethetruesttrade,
Andhavemorediseasesmade.
Whatshould,yet,thypallatplease?
Daintinesse,andsofterease,
Sleekedlims,andfinestblood?
Ifthyleannesselovesuchfood,
Therearethose,that,forthysake,
Doenough;andwhowouldtake
Anypaines;yea,thinkitprice,
Tobecomethysacrifice.
Thatdistilltheirhusbandsland
Indecoctions;andaremann'd
WithtenEmp'ricks,intheirchamber,
Lyingforthespiritofamber.
ThatfortheoyleofTalck,darespend
Morethancitizensdarelend
Them,andalltheirofficers.
Thattomakeallpleasuretheirs,
Willbycoach,andwatergo,
Everystewintownetoknow;
Dateentayletheirlovesonany,
Bald,orblind,orneresomany:
And,fortheeatcommongame,
Playaway,health,wealth,andfame.
These,disease,willtheedeserve:
Andwill,longerethoushould'ststarve,
Ontheirbedmostprostitute,
Moveit,astheirhumblestsute,
Inthyjusticetomolest
Nonebutthem,andleavetherest.
BenJonson
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X: And Must I Sing?
AndmustIsing?whatsubjectshallIchuse?
OrwhosegreatnameinPoetsheavenuse?
ForthemorecountenancetomyactiveMuse?
Hercules?alashisbonesareyetsore,
Withhisoldearthlylabours.T'exactmore,
Ofhisdullgod-head,weresinne.Ileimplore
Phoebus?No.tendthycartstill.Enviousday
Shallnotgiveout,thatIhavemadetheestay,
Andfoundredthyhotteame,totunemylay.
NorwillIbeggeofthee,Lordofthevine,
Toraisemyspiritswiththyconjuringwine,
InthegreenecircleofthyIvietwine.
Pallas,northeeIcallon,mankindmaid,
That,atthybirth,mad'stthepooreSmithaffraid,
Who,withhisaxe,thyfathersmid-wifeplaid.
Goe,crampedullMars,lightVenus,whenhesnorts,
Or,withthyTribadetrine,inventnewsports.
Thou,northyloosenessewithmymakingsorts.
LettheoldBoy,yoursonne,plyhisoldtaske,
Turnethestaleprologuetosomepaintedmaske,
Hisabsenceinmyverse,isallIaske.
Hermes,thecheater,shallnotmixwithus,
ThoughheewouldstealehissistersPegasus,
Andrifflehim:orpawnehisPetasus.
NoralltheladiesoftheThespianlake,
(Thoughtheywerecrushtintooneforme)couldmake
Abeautieofthatmerit,thatshouldtake
MyMuseupbycommission:No,Ibring
Myownetruefire.Nowmythoughttakeswing,
AndnowanEpodetodeepeearesIsing.
BenJonson
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XI: Epode
Nottoknowviceatall,andkeepetruestate,
Isvertue,andnotFate:
Next,tothatvertue,istoknowvicewell,
Andherblackspightexpell.
Whichtoeffect(sincenobrestissosure,
Orsafe,butshee'llprocure
Somewayofentrance)wemustplantaguard
Ofthoughtstowatch,andward
Atth'eyeandeare(theportsuntotheminde)
Thatnostrange,orunkinde
Objectarrivethere,buttheheart(ourspie)
Giveknowledgeinstantly,
TowakefullReason,ouraffectionsking:
Who(inth'examining)
Willquicklytastethereason,andcommit
Close,theclosecauseofit.
'Tisthesecurestpoliciewehave,
Tomakeoursenseourslave.
Butthistruecourseisnotembrac'dbymany:
Bymany?scarcebyany.
Foreitherouraffectionsdoerebell,
Orelsethesentinell
(Thatshouldringlarumtotheheart)dothsleepe,
Orsomegreatthoughtdothkeepe
Backtheintelligence,andfalselysweares,
Th'arebase,andidlefeares
Whereoftheloyallconsciencesocomplaines.
Thusbythesesubtilltraines,
Doeseverallpassionsinvadetheminde,
Andstrikeourreasonblinde.
Ofwhichusurpingranck,somehavethoughtLove
Thefirst;aspronetomove
Mostfrequenttumults,horrors,andunrests,
Inourenflamedbrests:
Butthisdothfromthecloudoferrorgrow,
Whichthusweover-blow.
Thething,theyherecallLove,isblindeDesire,
Arm'dwithbow,shafts,andfire;
Inconstant,likethesea,ofwhence'tisborne,
Rough,swelling,likeastorme:
Withwhomwhosailes,ridesonthesurgeoffeare,
Andboyles,asifhewere
Inacontinualltempest.Now,trueLove
Nosucheffectsdothprove;
Thatisanessencefarremoregentle,fine,
Pure,perfect,naydivine;
Itisagoldenchaineletdownefromheaven,
Whoselinkesarebright,andeven.
ThatfallslikesleepeonLovers,andcombines
Thesoft,andsweetestmindes
Inequallknots:Thisbearesnobrands,nordarts,
Tomurtherdifferenthearts,
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But,inacalme,andgod-likeunitie,
Preservescommunitie.
O,whoishe,that(inthispeace)enjoyes
ThElixirofalljoyes?
Aformemorefresh,thanaretheEdenbowers,
Andlasting,asherflowers:
RicherthanTime,andasTime'svertue,rare:
Sober,assaddestcare:
Afixedthought,aneyeun-taughttoglance;
Who(blestwithsuchhighchance)
Would,atsuggestionofasteepdesire,
Casthimselfefromthespire
Ofallhishappinesse?Butsoft:Iheare
Someviciousfooledrawneare,
Thatcryes,wedream,andswearsthere'snosuchthing,
Asthischastelovewesing.
Peaceluxury,thouartlikeoneofthose
Who,beingatsea,suppose,
Becausetheymove,theContinentdothso.
No,vice,welettheeknow,
Thoughthywildthoughtswithsparrowswingsdoflye,
Turtlescanchastlydye;
Andyet(inthist'expresseourselvesmorecleare)
Wedonotnumberhere,
SuchSpiritsasareonlycontinent,
Becauselust'smeanesarespent:
Orthose,whodoubtthecommonmouthoffame,
Andfortheirplaceandname,
Cannotsosafelysinne.Theirchastity
Ismeerenecessity.
Normeanewethose,whomVowesandconscience
Havefill'dwithabstinence:
Thoughweacknowledge,whocansoabstayne,
Makesamostblessedgaine.
Hethatforloveofgoodnessehatethill,
Ismorecrowne-worthystill,
Thanhe,whichforsinspenaltyforbeares;
Hisheartsins,thoughhefeares.
ButweproposeapersonlikeourDove,
Grac'dwithaPhoenixlove;
Abeautyofthatcleare,andsparklinglight,
Wouldmakeadayofnight,
Andturnetheblackestsorrowestobrightjoyes:
Whoseod'rousbreathdestroyes
Alltasteofbitternesse,andmakestheayre
Assweetassheisfaire.
Abodysoharmoniouslycompos'd,
AsifNaturedisclos'd
Allherbestsymmetrieinthatonefeature!
O,sodivineacreature,
Whocouldbefalseto?chieflywhenheknowes
Howonlyshebestowes
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Thewealthytreasureofherloveonhim;
Makinghisfortunesswim
Inthefullfloodofheradmir'dperfection?
Whatsavage,bruteaffection,
Wouldnotbefearefulltooffendadame
Ofthisexcellingframe?
Muchmoreanoble,andrightgenerousmind
(Tovertuousmoodsinclin'd)
Thatknowestheweightofguilt:Hewillrefraine
Fromthoughtsofsuchastraine.
Andtohissenseobjectthissentenceever,
Manmaysecurelysinne,butsafelynever.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 139
XII: Epistle To Elizabeth Countesse Of Rutland
Madame,
VVhil'stthat,forwhichallvertuenowissold,
Andalmosteveryvice,almightiegold,
Thatwhich,tobootewithhell,isthoughtworthheaven,
Andforit,life,conscience,yeasoulesaregiven,
Toyles,bygravecustome,upanddownetheCourt,
Toeverysquire,orgroome,thatwillreport
Well,orill,only,allthefollowingyeere,
Justtothewaighttheirthisdayes-presentsbeare;
Whileitmakeshuishersserviceablemen,
Andsomeoneaptethtobetrusted,then,
Thoughneverafter;whilesitgaynesthevoyce
Ofsomegrandpeere,whoseayre-dothmakerejoyce
Thefoolethatgaveit;whowillwant,andweepe,
Whenhisproudpatronsfavoursareasleepe;
Whilethusitbuyesgreatgrace,andhuntspoorefame;
Runsbetweeneman,andman,'tweene,dame,anddame;
Solderscracktfriendship;makeslovelastaday;
Orperhapslesse:whil'stgoldbearesallthissway,
I,thathavenone(tosendyou)sendyouverse.
Apresentwhich(ifelderWritsreherse
Thetruthoftimes)wasonceofmoreesteeme,
Thanthis,ourguilt,norgoldenagecandeeme,
Whengoldwasmadenoweapontocutthroats,
OrputtoflightAstrea,whenheringots
Wereyetunfound,andbetterplac'dinearth,
Than,here,togivepridefame,andpeasantsbirth.
Butletthisdrossecarry:whatpriceitwill
Withnobleignorants,andletthemstill,
Turne,uponscornedverse,theirquarter-face:
Withyou,Iknow,myoffringwillfindegrace.
Forwhatasinne'gainstyourgreatfathersspirit,
Wereittothink,thatyoushouldnotinherit
HisloveuntotheMuses,whenhisskill
Almostyouhave,ormayhave,whenyouwill?
WhereinwiseNatureyouadowriegave,
Worthanestate,trebletothatyouhave.
Beauty,Iknow,isgood,andbloodismore;
Richesthoughtmost:But,Madame,thinkwhatstore
Theworldhathseene,whichallthesehadintrust,
Andnowlyelostintheirforgottendust.
ItistheMusealone,canraisetoheaven,
And,atherstrongarmesend,holdup,andeven,
Thesoules,sheloves.Thoseothergloriousnotes,
Inscrib'dintouchormarble,orthecotes
Painted,orcarv'duponourgreat-menstombs,
Orintheirwindowes;doebutprovethewombs,
Thatbredthem,graves:whentheywereborne,theydy'd,
ThathadnoMusetomaketheirfameabide.
HowmanyequallwiththeArgiveQueene,
Havebeautyknowne,yetnonesofamousseene?
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 140
Achilleswasnotfirst,thatvaliantwas,
Or,inanarmieshead,thatlocktinbrasse,
Gavekillingstrokes.Therewerebravemen,before
Ajax,orIdomen,orallthestore,
ThatHomerbroughttoTroy;yetnonesolive:
Becausetheylack'dthesacredpen,couldgive
Likelifeunto'hem.Whoheav'dHercules
Untothestarrs?ortheTyndarides?
WhoplacedJasonsArgointheskie?
OrsetbrightAriadnescrownesohigh?
WhomadealampeofBereniceshayre?
OrliftedCassiopeainherchayre?
ButonlyPoets,raptwithragedivine?
Andsuch,ormyhopesfaile,shallmakeyoushine.
You,andthatotherstarre;thatpurestlight,
OfallLucina'straine;Lucythebright.
Thanwhich,anoblerheavenitselfeknowesnot.
Who,thoughsheehaveabetterVersergot,
(OrPoet,intheCourtaccount)thanI,
And,whodothme(thoughInothim)envy,
Yetforthetimelyfavourssheehathdone,
TomylessesanguineMuse,whereinshehathwonne
Mygratefullsoule,thesubjectofherpowers,
Ihavealreadyus'dsomehappyhoures,
Toherremembrance;whichwhentimeshallbring
Tocuriouslight,tonotes,Ithenshallsing,
WillproveoldOrpheusActnoruletobe:
ForIshallmovestocks,stones,nolessethanhe.
Thenall,thathavebutdonemyMuseleastgrace,
Shallthrongingcome,andboastthehappyplace
Theyholdinmystrangepoems,which,asyet,
Hadnottheirformetouch'dbyanEnglishwit.
Therelikearich,andgoldenPyramede,
Borneupbystatues,shallIroareyourhead,
Aboveyourunder-carvedornaments,
Andshow,how,tothelife,mysoulepresents
Yourformeimprestthere:notwithticklingrimes,
OrCommon-places,filch'd,thattakethesetimes,
Buthigh,andnoblematter;suchasflies
Frombrainesentranc'd,andfill'dwithextasies;
Moods,whichthegod-likeSydneyoftdidprove,
Andyourbravefriend,andminesowelldidlove.
Who,wheresoerehebe---
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 141
XIII: Epistle: To Katherine, Lady Aubigny
'Tisgrownealmostadangertospeaketrue
Ofanygoodminde,now:Therearesofew.
Thebad,bynumber,aresofortified,
Aswhatth'havelostt'expect,theydarederide.
Soboththeprais'd,andpraiserssuffer:Yet,
Forothersill,oughtnonetheirgoodforget.
I,therefore,whoprofessemyselfeinlove
Witheveryvertue,wheresoereitmove,
Andhowsoever;asIamatfewd
Withsinneandvice,thoughwithathroneendew'd;
And,inthisname,amgivenoutdangerous
Byarts,andpractiseofthevicious,
Suchassuspectthemselves,andthinkitfit
Fortheirownecap'tallcrimes,t'inditemywit;
I,thathavesuffer'dthis;and,thoughforsooke
OfFortune,havenotalter'dyetmylooke,
Orsomyselfeabandon'd,asbecause
Menarenotjust,orkeepenoholylawes
Ofnature,andsocietie,Ishouldfaint;
Orfearetodrawtruelines,'causeotherspaint:
I,Madame,ambecomeyourpraiser.Where,
Ifitmaystandwithyoursoftblushtoheare,
Yourselfebuttolduntoyourselfe,andsee
Inmycharacter,whatyourfeaturesbee,
Youwillnotfromthepaperslightlypasse:
NoLady,but,atsometimelovesherglasse.
Andthisshallbenofalseone,butasmuch
Remov'd,asyoufromneedtohaveitsuch.
Lookethen,andseeyourselfe.Iwillnotsay
Yourbeautie;foryouseethateveryday:
Andsodoemanymore.Allwhichcancall
Itperfect,proper,pure,andnaturall,
Nottakenupo'th'Doctors,butaswell
AsI,cansay,andseeitdothexcell.
Thataskesbuttobecensur'dbytheeyes:
And,inthoseoutwardformes,allfoolesarewise.
Northatyourbeautiewantednotadower,
DoeIreflect.SomeAldermanhaspower,
Orcos'ningFarmerofthecustomesso,
T'advancehisdoubtfullissue,andore-flow
APrincesfortune:Thesearegiftsofchance,
Andraisenotvertue;theymayviceenhance.
Mymirrorismoresubtill,cleare,refin'd,
Andtakes,andgivesthebeautiesofthemind.
ThoughitrejectnotthoseofFortune:such
AsBlood,andMatch.Wherein,howmorethanmuch
Areyouengagedtoyourhappiefate,
Forsuchalot!thatmixtyouwithaState
Ofsogreattitle,birth,butvertuemost,
Withoutwhich,alltherestweresounds,orlost.
'Tisonelythatcantime,andchancedefeat:
Forhe,thatonceisgood,isevergreat.
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Wherewith,then,Madame,canyoubetterpay
Thisblessingofyourstarres,thanbythatway
Ofvertue,whichyoutread?whatifalone?
Withoutcompanions?'Tissafetohavenone.
Insinglepaths,dangerswitheasearewatch'd:
Contagioninthepreaseissoonestcatch'd.
Thismakes,thatwiselyyoudeclineyourlife,
Farrefromthemazeofcustome,error,strife,
Andkeepeaneven,andunalter'dgaite;
Notlookingby,orback(likethose,thatwaite
Times,andoccasions,tostartforth,andseeme)
Whichthoughtheturningworldmaydis-esteeme,
Becausethatstudiesspectacles,andshowes,
Andaftervaried,asfreshobjectsgoes,
Giddiewithchange,andthereforecannotsee
Right,therightway:yetmustyourcomfortbee
Yourconscience,andnotwonder,ifnoneaskes
ForTruthscomplexion,wheretheyallwearemaskes.
Letwhowillfollowfashions,andattyres,
Maintainetheirliedgersforth,forforrainwyres,
Meltdownetheirhusbandsland,topowreaway
Ontheclosegroome,andpage,onnew-yearesday,
Andalmost,alldayesafter,whiletheylive;
(Theyfindeitbothsowittie,andsafetogive)
Let'hemonpoulders,oyles,andpaintings,spend,
Tillthatnousurer,norhisbawdsdarelend
Them,ortheirofficers:andnomanknow,
Whetheritbeafacetheyweare,orno.
Let'hemwastebody,andstate;andafterall,
WhentheirowneParasiteslaughattheirfall,
Maytheyhavenothingleft,whereoftheycan
Boast,buthowofttheyhavegonewrongtoman:
Andcallittheirbravesinne.Forsuchtherebe
Thatdoesinneonelyfortheinfamie:
Andneverthink,howvicedotheveryhoure,
Eatonherclients,andsomeonedevoure.
You,Madam,yonghavelearn'dtoshuntheseshelves,
Whereonthemostofmankindwrackethemselves,
And,keepingajustcourse,haveearlyput
Intoyourharbour,andallpassageshut
'Gainststormes,orpyrats,thatmightchargeyourpeace;
Forwhichyouworthyarethegladincrease
Ofyourblestwombe,madefruitfullfromabove
Topayyourlordthepledgesofchastelove:
Andraiseanoblestemme,togivethefame,
ToCliftonsblood,thatisdeny'dtheirname.
Grow,grow,fairetree,andasthybranchesshoote,
Heare,whattheMusessingabovethyroot,
Byme,theirPriest(iftheycanoughtdivine)
Beforethemooneshavefill'dtheirtrippletrine,
Tocrownetheburthenwhichyougowithall,
Itshallaripeandtimelyissuefall,
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 143
T'expectthehonorsofgreat'Avbigny:
Andgreaterrites,yetwritinmystery,
ButwhichtheFatesforbidmetoreveale.
Only,thusmuch,outofaravish'dzeale,
Untoyourname,andgoodnesseofyourlife,
Theyspeake;sinceyouaretrulythatrarewife,
Othergreatwivesmayblushat:whentheysee
Whatyourtry'dmannersare,whattheirsshouldbe.
Howyouloveone,andhimyoushould;howstill
Youaredependingonhisword,andwill;
Notfashion'dfortheCourt,orstrangerseyes;
Buttopreasehim,whoisthedearerprise
Untohimselfe,bybeingsodearetoyou.
Thismakes,thatyouraffectionsstillbenew,
Andthatyoursoulesconspire,astheyweregone
Eachintoother,andhadnowmadeone.
Livethatone,still;andaslongyearesdopasse,
Madame,beboldtousethistruestglasse:
Wherein,yourforme,youstillthesameshallfind;
Becausenoritcanchange,norsuchamind.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 144
XIV: Ode: To Sir William Sydney, On His Birth-day
Nowthattheharthiscrown'dwithsmilingfire,
Andsomedodrink,andsomedodance,
Somering,
Somesing,
Andalldostrivet'advance
Thegladnessehigher:
WhereforeshouldI
Standsilentby.
Whonottheleast,
Bothlovethecause,andauthorsofthefeast.
Givememycup,butfromtheThespianWell,
ThatImaytelltoSydney,what
Thisday
Dothsay,
Andhemaythinkonthat
WhichIdotell:
Whenallthenoyse
Oftheseforc'djoyes,
Arefledandgone,
Andhe,withhisbestGeniusleftalone.
Thisdaysays,then,thenumberofgladyeares
Arejustlysumm'd,thatmakeyouman;
Yourvow
Mustnow
Striveallrightwaysitcan,
T'out-stripyourpeeres:
Sincehedothlack
Ofgoingback
Little,whosewill
Dothurgehimtorunwrong,ortostandstill.
Norcanalittleofthecommonstore,
Ofnoblesvertue,shewinyou;
Yourblood
Sogood
Andgreat,mustseekfornew,
Andstudymore:
Norweary,rest
Onwhat'sdeceast.
Forthey,thatswell
Withdustofancestors,ingravesbutdwell.
'Twillbeexactedofyourname,whosesonne,
Whosenephew,whosegrand-childyouare;
Andmen
Will,then,
Sayyouhavefollow'dfarre,
Whenwellbegun:
Whichmustbenow,
Theyteachyou,how.
Andhethatstayes
Toliueuntilltomorrow'hathlosttwodayes.
Somayyouliveinhonor,asinname,
Ifwiththistruthyoubeinspir'd;
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 145
Somay
Thisday
Bemore,andlongdesir'd:
Andwiththeflame
Oflovebeebright,
Aswiththelight
Ofbone-fires.Then
TheBirth-dayshines,whenlogsnotburne,butmen.
BenJonson
www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 146
XV: To Heaven
Good,andgreatGod,canInotthinkofthee,
Butitmust,straight,mymelancholybee?
Isitinterpretedinmeedisease,
That,ladenwithmysinnes.Iseekeforease?
O,bethouwitnesse,thatthereinesdostknow,
Andheartsofall,ifIbesadforshow,
Andjudgemeeafter:ifIdarepretend
Tooughtbutgrace,oraymeatotherend.
Asthouartall,sobethoualltomee,
First,midst,andlast,convertedone,andthree;
Myfaith,myhope,mylove:andinthisstate,
Myjudge,mywitnesse,andmyadvocate.
WherehaveIbeenthiswhileexil'dfromthee?
Andwhitherrapt,nowthoubutstoup'sttomee?
Dwell,dwellherestill:O,beingevery-where,
HowcanIdoubttofindetheeever,here?
Iknowmystate,bothfullofshame,andscorne,
Conceiv'dinsinne,anduntolabourborne,
Standingwithfeare,andmustwithhorrorfall,
Anddestin'duntojudgement,afterall.
Ifeelemygriefestoo,andtherescarceisground,
Uponmyflesht'inflictanotherwound.
YetdareInotcomplaine,orwishfordeath
WithholyPaul,lestitbethoughtthebreath
OfDiscontent;orthattheseprayersbee
Forwearinesseoflife,notloveofthee.
BenJonson

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