Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, COMPLAINS OF THE COURT, by PHILIP AYRES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

COMPLAINS OF THE COURT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In a great court, near a fam'd river's side
Last Line: Grieve for one loss, and straight another spy.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens


IN a great Court, near a fam'd River's side,
With hopes of greatness fed, I still reside;
But where to fix I ne'er shall understand,
Foll'wing what flies, and shunning what's at hand.

Others from me the gifts of Heav'n retain,
The lucky fool does still the purchase gain;
At air I grasp, and after shadows strive,
Live for my foes, if this be said to live.

I slight myself, love him that injures me,
And in soft words find greatest treachery;
I mortal hatred under smiles behold,
And starve for want, amidst great heaps of gold.

Now Envy's strokes, then Fortune's I sustain,
And want a friend to whom I might complain;
I see th' ensuing storm, and no help nigh,
Grieve for one loss, and straight another spy.





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