ARRAS! Arras! town full of strife, With calumnies and hatred rife; You were a noble town of yore; Your fame, 'tis said, they will restore. But unless God your manners mend, I see not who'll effect this end; Gambling is all that you pursue, So, fifty thousand times adieu. Elsewhere the gospel I shall find; I leave your lying tongues behind. Love, and glad life, I bid farewell, Where do such mirth and pleasure dwell, As save in Paradise unknown To me you have some profit done; In studying once you made me slack, But now 'tis you that bring me back, 'Tis you that make me now desire Honour to gain, renown acquire; For rude and empty was my mind, Diseourteous, base, and unrefined. My tender friend, much loved and dear, I feel and show but little cheer; Deeply on your account I grieve, Whom I am forced behind to leave. You will be treasurer of my heart, Although my body must depart Learning and science to attain, And be more worth, so you shall gain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 4. AL-MALIK by EDWIN ARNOLD AN EASTER OFFERING by NANCY A. BASTON THE EMPTY CUP by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN A CREOLE TRIPTYCH: 2. THE PLAINSMAN by JOSE SANTOS CHOCANO |