Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON A CERTAIN LADY AT COURT, by ALEXANDER POPE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON A CERTAIN LADY AT COURT, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I know the thing that's most uncommon / (envy be silent and attend!)
Last Line: The woman 's deaf, and does not hear!
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Envy; Modesty; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens


[HENRIETTA HOWARD, COUNTESS OF SUFFOLK]

I KNOW the thing that's most uncommon
(Envy, be silent, and attend);
I know a reasonable woman,
Handsome and witty, yet a friend.

Not warped by passion, awed by rumour,
Not grave through pride, or gay throug folly;
An equal mixture of good humour,
And sensible soft melancholy.

'Has she no faults then,' Envy says, 'Sir?'
Yes, she has one, I must aver;
When all the world conspires to praise her,
The woman 's deaf, and does not hear!





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