Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EPISTLE TO JAMES CRAGGS, ESQ; SECRETARY OF STATE, by ALEXANDER POPE



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EPISTLE TO JAMES CRAGGS, ESQ; SECRETARY OF STATE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A soul as full of worth, as void of pride
Last Line: If not, 'tis I must be ashamed of you.
Subject(s): Craggs, James (1657-1721)


A soul as full of Worth, as void of Pride,
Which nothing seeks to show, or needs to hide,
Which nor to Guilt, nor Fear, its Caution owes,
And boasts a Warmth that from no Passion flows;
A Face untaught to feign! a judging Eye,
That darts severe upon a rising Lye,
And strikes a blush thro' frontless Flattery.
All this thou wert; and being this before,
Know, Kings and Fortune cannot make thee more.
Then scorn to gain a Friend by servile ways,
Nor wish to lose a Foe these Virtues raise;
But candid, free, sincere, as you began,
Proceed -- a Minister, but still a Man;
Be not (exalted to whate'er degree)
Asham'd of any Friend, not ev'n of Me.
The Patriot's plain, but untrod path pursue;
If not, 'tis I must be ashamed of You.





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