Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, REPUTATION, by ROBERT POLLOCK


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

REPUTATION, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Good name was dear to all. Without it, none
Last Line: On human face, he knew himself so vile.
Alternate Author Name(s): Pollok, Robert
Subject(s): Fame; Reputation


GOOD name was dear to all. Without it, none
Could soundly sleep, even on a royal bed,
Or drink with relish from a cup of gold;
And with it, on his borrow'd straw, or by
The leafless hedge, beneath the open heavens,
The weary beggar took untroubled rest.
It was a music of most heavenly tone,
To which the heart leap'd joyfully, and all
The spirits danced. For honest fame, men laid
Their heads upon the block, and, while the axe
Descended, look'd and smiled. It was of price
Invaluable. Riches, health, repose,
Whole kingdoms, life, were given for it, and he
Who got it was the winner still; and he
Who sold it durst not open his ear, nor look
On human face, he knew himself so vile.





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