Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PLEASURE RECONCILED TO VIRTUE, SELECTION, by BEN JONSON



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PLEASURE RECONCILED TO VIRTUE, SELECTION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Come on, come on, and where you go
Last Line: As he hath power to rise to it.


Come on, come on! And where you go,
So interweave the curious knot,
As even the observer scarce may know
Which lines are Pleasure's, and which not.

First figure out the doubtful way,
At which awhile all youth should stay,
Where she and Virtue did contend,
Which should have Hercules to friend.

Then, as all actions of mankind
Are but a labyrinth or maze:
So let your dances be entwined,
Yet not perplex men unto gaze.

But measured, and so numerous too,
As men may read each act you do;
And when they see the graces meet
Admire the wisdom of your feet.

For dancing is an exercise,
Not only shows the mover's wit,
But maketh the beholder wise,
As he hath power to rise to it.





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