Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN HONOR OF BARNABE BARNES' 'FOUR BOOKS OF OFFICES': TO THE READER by THOMAS CAMPION

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOUGH NEITHER THOU DOST KEEP THE KEYS OF STATE
Last Line: THEN, READER, LOVE THIS BOOK, OR RATHER BUY.
Subject(s): BARNES, BARNABE (1569-1609);

THOUGH neither thou dost keep the keys of state
Nor yet the counsels, reader, what of that?
Though th'art no law-pronouncer marked by fate,
Nor field-commander, reader, what of that?
Blanch not this book; for if thou mind'st to be
Virtuous and honest, it belongs to thee.
Here is the school of temperance and wit,
Of Justice and all forms that tend to it;
Here Fortitude doth teach to live and die:
Then, Reader, love this book, or rather buy.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net