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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO MY FRIEND D'AVENANT, UPON HIS EXCELLENT PLAY, 'THE JUST ITALIAN', by THOMAS CAREW Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'll not mis-spend in praise the narrow room Last Line: Wise men, that govern fate, shall entertain. Subject(s): D'avenant, William (1606-1668); Plays & Playwrights ; Dramatists | |||
I'LL not mis-spend in praise the narrow room I borrow in this leaf; the garlands bloom From thine own seeds, that crown each glorious page Of thy triumphant work; the sullen age Requires a satire. What star guides the soul Of these our froward times, that dare control, Yet dare not learn to judge? When didst thou fly From hence, clear candid Ingenuity? I have beheld when, perch'd on the smooth brow Of a fair modest troop, thou didst allow Applause to slighter works; but then the weak Spectator gave the knowing leave to speak. Now noise prevails, and he is tax'd for drouth Of wit, that with the cry spends not his mouth. Yet ask him reason why he did not like, Him, why he did, their ignorance will strike Thy soul with scorn and pity. Mark the places Provoke their smiles, frowns, or distorted faces; When they admire, nod, shake the head: they 'll be A scene of mirth, a double comedy. But thy strong fancies (raptures of the brain, Dress'd in poetic flames) they entertain As a bold impious reach; for they 'll still slight All that exceeds Red Bull and Cockpit flight. These are the men in crowded heaps that throng To that adulterate stage, where not a tongue Of th' untun'd kennel can a line repeat Of serious sense, but like lips meet like meat: Whilst the true brood of actors, that alone Keep natural unstrain'd action in her throne, Behold their benches bare, though they rehearse The terser Beaumont's or great Jonson's verse. Repine not thou, then, since this churlish fate Rules not the stage alone; perhaps the State Hath felt this rancour, where men great and good Have by the rabble been misunderstood. So was thy play, whose clear yet lofty strain Wise men, that govern Fate, shall entertain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ENDING WITH A LINE FROM LEAR by MARVIN BELL ENDING WITH A LINE FROM LEAR by MARVIN BELL SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#20): 1. SHAKESPEARE by MARVIN BELL SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#20): 1. SHAKESPEARE by MARVIN BELL SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#20): 2. SHAKESPEARE by MARVIN BELL SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#20): 2. SHAKESPEARE by MARVIN BELL YOUR SHAKESPEARE by MARVIN BELL YOUR SHAKESPEARE by MARVIN BELL A DEPOSITION FROM LOVE by THOMAS CAREW A PASTORAL DIALOGUE: SHEPHERD, NYMPH, CHORUS by THOMAS CAREW |
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