WATCH, and be firm! for, soul-subduing vice, Heart-killing luxury, on your steps await. Fair houses, baths, and banquets delicate, And temples flashing, bright as polar ice, Their radiance through the woods -- may yet suffice To sap your hardy virtue, and abate Your love of Him upon whose forehead sate The crown of thorns; whose life-blood flowed, the price Of your redemption. Shun the insidious arts That Rome provides, less dreading from her frown Than from her wily praise, her peaceful gown, Language, and letters; -- these, though fondly viewed As humanising graces, are but parts And instruments of deadliest servitude! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: COONEY POTTER by EDGAR LEE MASTERS ASTROPHEL AND STELLA: 64 by PHILIP SIDNEY THE HEATH-COCK by JOANNA BAILLIE TWO SONNETS: 1 by DAVID P. BERENBERG SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 42 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |