Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THIRD BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 14. GOOD WIFE, by THOMAS CAMPION


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THIRD BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 14. GOOD WIFE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What is it all that men possess, among themselves conversing?
Last Line: Bad with bad in ill suit well; but good with good live blessed.
Subject(s): Marriage


WHAT is it all that men possess, among themselves conversing?
Wealth or fame, or some such boast, scarce worthy the rehearsing.
Women only are men's good, with them in love conversing.

If weary, they prepare us rest; if sick, their hand attends us;
When with grief our hearts are prest, their comfort best befriends us:
Sweet or sour, they willing go to share what fortune sends us.

What pretty babes with pain they bear, our name and form presenting!
What we get, how wise they keep! by sparing, wants preventing;
Sorting all their household cares to our observed contenting.

All this, of whose large use I sing, in two words is expressed:
Good Wife is the good I praise, if by good men possessed;
Bad with bad in ill suit well; but good with good live blessed.





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