Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FORTUNE MY FOE, by ALFRED PERCEVAL GRAVES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FORTUNE MY FOE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Aim not too high at things beyond thy reach'
Last Line: Should prove, when rich, best brother to the poor.
Subject(s): Home


"AIM not too high at things beyond thy reach,"
Nor give the rein to reckless thought or speech.
Is it not better all thy life to bide
Lord of thyself, than all the earth beside?

Thus if high Fortune far from thee take wing,
Why shouldst thou envy counsellor or king?
Purple or homespun, -- wherefore make ado
What coat may cover, if the heart be true?

Then, if at last thou gather wealth at will,
Thou most shalt honor Him who grants it still;
Since he who best doth poverty endure,
Should prove, when rich, best brother to the poor.





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