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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NOSCE TEIPSUM: WHICH IS A PROUD, AND YET A WRETCHED THING by JOHN DAVIES (1569-1626)

Poet Analysis

First Line: I KNOW MY BODY'S OF SO FRAIL A KIND
Last Line: WHICH IS A PROUD, AND YET A WRETCHED THING.
Subject(s): BODIES; SELF;

I KNOW my body's of so frail a kind,
As force without, fevers within can kill;
I know the heavenly nature of my mind,
But 'tis corrupted both in wit and will:

I know my Soul hath power to know all things,
Yet is she blind and ignorant in all;
I know I am one of Nature's little kings,
Yet to the least and vilest things am thrall.

I know my life's a pain and but a span,
I know my sense is mock'd with every thing:
And to conclude, I know myself a @3man@1,
Which is a proud, and yet a wretched thing.



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