|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO MY BOOK, by BEN JONSON Poem Explanation Poet's Biography
First Line: It will be looked for, book, when some but see
Last Line: For vulgar praise, doth it too dearly buy.
Subject(s): Books; Reading
First Line: It will be looked for, book, when some but see
Last Line: For vulgar praise, doth it too dearly buy.
Subject(s): Books; Reading
It will be looked for, book, when some but see
Thy title, Epigrams, and named of me,
Thou should'st be bold, licentious, full of gall,
Wormwood, and sulphur, sharp, and toothed withal;
Become a petulant thing, hurl ink, and wit,
As mad-men stones: not caring whom they hit.
Deceive their malice, who could wish it so.
And by thy wiser temper, let men know
Thou art not covetous of least self-fame,
Made from the hazard of another's shame:
Much less with lewd, profane, and beastly phrase,
To catch the world's loose laughter, or vain gaze.
He that departs with his owne honesty
For vulgar praise, doth it too dearly buy.
Discover our poem explanations - click here!
Other Poems of Interest...
THE FATALIST: THE BEST WORDS by LYN HEJINIAN
TWO SONNETS: 1 by DAVID LEHMAN
THE ILLUSTRATION?ÇÖA FOOTNOTE by DENISE LEVERTOV
FALLING ASLEEP OVER THE AENEID by ROBERT LOWELL
POETRY MACHINES by CATE MARVIN
LENDING LIBRARY by PHYLLIS MCGINLEY
A CELEBRATION OF CHARIS: 1. HIS EXCUSE FOR LOVING by BEN JONSON