Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A CHARACTER OF HIS FRIEND, W.B. ESQ, by PHILIP AYRES



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A CHARACTER OF HIS FRIEND, W.B. ESQ, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: To raise up virtue when 'tis sinking down
Last Line: Is still the labour of my noble friend.
Subject(s): Friendship


TO raise up virtue when 'tis sinking down,
Toil less for wealth than to acquire renown,
T' enrich the mind, and crown the head with bays,
Subdue the passions, and the soul to raise.

T' increase in glory, as in years he grows,
To bear ripe fruit, e'en ere his blossom blows,
Faster than honours, merits to repeat,
Keep the sense cold, but fill the soul with heat.

Not arts neglect, nor slight Apollo's lute,
Whilst of Astraea he's in hot pursuit;
In ancient tongues new eloquence rehearse,
To master both the Greek and Latin verse.

'Gainst Sloth, perpetual hatred to maintain,
But with the Muses friendship still retain;
Here upon earth all others to transcend,
Is still the labour of my noble friend.





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