Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN HONOR OF BARNABE BARNES' 'FOUR BOOKS OF OFFICES': TO THE READER, by THOMAS CAMPION


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN HONOR OF BARNABE BARNES' 'FOUR BOOKS OF OFFICES': TO THE READER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Though neither thou dost keep the keys of state
Last Line: Then, reader, love this book, or rather buy.
Subject(s): Barnes, Barnabe (1569-1609)


THOUGH neither thou dost keep the keys of state
Nor yet the counsels, reader, what of that?
Though th'art no law-pronouncer marked by fate,
Nor field-commander, reader, what of that?
Blanch not this book; for if thou mind'st to be
Virtuous and honest, it belongs to thee.
Here is the school of temperance and wit,
Of Justice and all forms that tend to it;
Here Fortitude doth teach to live and die:
Then, Reader, love this book, or rather buy.





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