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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO JOHN DONNE (1) by BEN JONSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: WHO SHALL DOUBT, DONNE, WHERE I A POET BE
Last Line: A MAN SHOULD SEEK GREAT GLORY, AND NOT BROAD.
Subject(s): DONNE, JOHN (1572-1631); POETRY & POETS;

Who shall doubt, Donne, where I a poet be,
When I dare send my epigrams to thee?
That so alone canst judge, so alone dost make:
And, in thy censures, evenly, dost take
As free simplicity, to disavow,
As thou hast best authority, to allow.
Read all I send: and, if I find but one
Marked by thy hand, and with the better stone,
My title's sealed. Those that for claps do write,
Let puisnees', porters', players' praise delight,
And, till they burst, their backs, like asses' load:
A man should seek great glory, and not broad.



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