Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNETS: 5. AN INCIDENT FROM BOCCACCIO, by NEWMAN HOWARD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNETS: 5. AN INCIDENT FROM BOCCACCIO, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When guido cavalcanti, dante's friend
Last Line: They live, wax rich, and grow amid their hoard.
Subject(s): Boccaccio, Giovanni (1313-1375); Life; Poetry & Poets; Wisdom


WHEN Guido Cavalcanti, Dante's friend,
Met certain prosperous fellows, such as weave
Their Bacchic garlands, bragging they achieve
Life, -- they through graveyards passing, bade him bend
His steps their way; but he "This place may lend
Power to your hest; yet see! I gain reprieve."
Then leaping o'er the wall, "Sirs, by your leave,
Now am I free: for here your territ'ries end."

The market, forum, and convivial board
Are tombs for those who sit thereat too long;
But they who walk erect amid the throng,
Who, seeking Wisdom, heed no Siren's song,
Whose minds are gates wherethrough great floods are poured, --
They live, wax rich, and grow amid their hoard.





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