Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, UNKINDNESSE, by GEORGE HERBERT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

UNKINDNESSE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Lord, make me coy and tender to offend
Last Line: Yet use not I my foes as I use thee.
Variant Title(s): Unkindness


LORD, make me coy and tender to offend:
In friendship, first I think, if that agree,
Which I intend,
Unto my friends intent and end.
I would not use a friend as I use thee.

If any touch my friend, or his good name,
It is my honour and my love to free
His blasted fame
From the least spot or thought of blame.
I could not use a friend as I use thee.

My friend may spit upon my curious floore:
Would he have gold? I lend it instantly;
But let the poore,
And thou within them, starve at doore.
I cannot use a friend as I use thee.

When that my friend pretendeth to a place,
I quit my interest, and leave it free:
But when thy grace
Sues for my heart, I thee displace;
Nor would I use a friend as I use thee.

Yet can a friend what thou hast done fulfill?
O write in brass, My God upon a tree
His bloud did spill,
Onely to purchase my good-will:
Yet use not I my foes as I use thee.





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