Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EPIGRAM: 14. TO WILLIAM CAMDEN, by BEN JONSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPIGRAM: 14. TO WILLIAM CAMDEN, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Camden, most reverend head, to whom I owe
Last Line: But for their powers, accept my piety.
Subject(s): Camden, William (1551-1623); Schools; Students


Camden, most reverend head, to whom I owe
All that I am in arts, all that I know.
(How nothing's that!) to whom my countrey owes
The great renowne and name wherewith she goes.
Than thee the age sees not that thing more grave,
More high, more holy, that shee more would crave.
What name, what skill, what faith hast thou in things!
What sight in searching the most antique springs!
What weight, and what authority in thy speech!
Man scarce can make that doubt, but thou canst teach.
Pardon free truth, and let thy modesty,
Which conquers all, be once overcome by thee.
Many of thine this better could, than I,
But for their powers, accept my piety.





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