A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 10 by THOMAS CAMPION

WISE men patience never want;
Good men pity cannot hide;
Feeble spirits only vaunt
Of revenge, the poorest pride:
He alone, forgive that can,
Bears the true soul of a man.

Some there are, debate that seek,
Making trouble their content,
Happy if they wrong the meek,
Vex them that to peace are bent:
Such undo the common tie
Of mankind, Society.

Kindness grown is, lately, cold;
Conscience hath forgot her part;
Blessed times were known of old,
Long ere Law became an Art:
Shame deterred, not Statutes then,
Honest love was law to men.

Deeds from love, and words, that flow,
Foster like kind April showers;
In the warm sun all things grow,
Wholesome fruits and pleasant flowers;
All so thrives his gentle rays,
Whereon human love displays.

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...