Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ELDER BROTHER: THE PLEASURES OF A LIBRARY by JOHN FLETCHER

First Line: GIVE ME LEAVE / TO ENJOY MYSELF. THAT PLACE, THAT DOES CONTAIN
Last Line: TO INCRE SE IN KNOWLEDGE. LIGHTS THERE, FOR MY STUDY!
Subject(s): BOOKS; READING;

Give me
Leave to enjoy myself. That place, that does
Contain my books, the best companions, is
To me a glorious court, where hourly I
Converse with the old sages and philosophers.
And sometimes for variety, I confer
With kings and emperors, and weigh their counsels;
Calling their victories, if unjustly got,
Unto a strict account: and, in my fancy,
Deface their ill-planned statues. Can I then
Part with such constant pleasures, to embrace
Uncertain vanities? No; be it your care
To augment a heap of wealth; it shall be mine
To incre se in knowledge. Lights there, for my study!



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