Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ADVICE, by WILLIAM DUNBAR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ADVICE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If ye would love and loved be
Last Line: Be secret, true and patient!
Subject(s): Friendship


IF ye would love and loved be,
In mind keep well these things three,
And sadly in thy breast imprint, --
Be secret, true and patient!
For he that patience can not leir,
He shall displeasance have perquier,
Though he had all this worldis rent:
Be secret, true and patient!
For who that secret cannot be,
Him all good fellowship shall flee,
And credence none shall him be lent:
Be secret, true and patient!
And he that is of heart untrue,
From he be ken'd farewell! adieu!
Fie on him! fie! his fame is went:
Be secret, true and patient!
Thus he that wants ane of these three
Ane lover glad may never be,
But aye in some thing discontent:
Be secret, true and patient!
Nought with thy tongue thyself discure
The thingis that thou hast of nature;
For if thou dost, thou shalt repent:
Be secret, true and patient!




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