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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VERSES UNDER A PORTRAIT OF THOMAS BRITTON, A COAL MERCHANT by MATTHEW PRIOR

First Line: THOUGH DOOMED TO SMALL-COAL, YET TO ARTS APPLIED
Last Line: HAD KNELLER PAINTED, AND HAD VERTUE GRAVED.
Subject(s): BRITTON, THOMAS (1644-1714); COAL MINES & MINERS; KNELLER, SIR GODFREY (1649-1723); MUSIC & MUSICIANS; VERTUE, GEORGE (1684-1756); KNILLER, GOTTFRIED;

Though doomed to small coal, yet to arts applied,
Rich without wealth, and famous without pride;
Music's best patron, judge of books and men,
Beloved and honoured by Apollo's train,
In Greece or Rome sure never did appear
So bright a genius, in so dark a sphere:
More of the man had artfully been saved,
Had Kneller painted, and had Vertue graved.




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