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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE: BOOK 1. CANTO 9. PRELUDE. THE ZEST OF LIFE by COVENTRY KERSEY DIGHTON PATMORE

Poet Analysis

First Line: GIVE THANKS. IT IS NOT TIME MISSPENT
Last Line: WHATE'ER THE WORLD CAN GIVE, WITHOUT.

Give thanks. It is not time misspent;
Worst fare this betters, and the best,
Wanting this natural condiment,
Breeds crudeness, and will not digest.
The grateful love the Giver's law;
But those who eat, and look no higher,
From sin or doubtful sanction draw
The biting sauce their feasts require.
Give thanks for nought, if you've no more,
And, having all things, do not doubt
That nought, with thanks, is blest before
Whate'er the world can give, without.



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