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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WRITTEN IN A LADY'S PRAYER BOOK, by JOHN WILMOT Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: Fling this useless book away
Last Line: Through all the joys on earth to those above.
Alternate Author Name(s): Rochester, 2d Earl Of
Subject(s): Books; Love; Reading
First Line: Fling this useless book away
Last Line: Through all the joys on earth to those above.
Alternate Author Name(s): Rochester, 2d Earl Of
Subject(s): Books; Love; Reading
1.
Fling this useless book away,
And presume no more to pray.
Heaven is just, and can bestow
Mercy on none but those that mercy show.
With a proud heart maliciously inclined
Not to increase, but to subdue mankind,
In vain you vex the gods with your petition;
Without repentance and sincere contrition,
You're in a reprobate condition.
2.
Phyllis, to calm the angry powers
And save my soul as well as yours,
Relieve poor mortals from despair,
And justify the gods that made you fair;
And in those bright and charming eyes
Let pity first appear, then love,
That we by easy steps may rise
Through all the joys on earth to those above.
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