DEFEND it not, defend it not, This wretched world below; Defend its gaping people not, Who care for nought but pomp and show The tedious ones, defend them not, Who cause us such ennui; The learned ones, defend them not, In their o'erpow'ring pedantry. The women, too, defend them not, Though good ones may be there; The best amongst them scorneth not The man she loves not, to ensnare. And then my friends -- defend them not: Count not thyself one now; For thou those friends resemblest not, -- No! firm, and good, and true art thou. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CONSECRATION HYMN by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL FAITHLESS NELLY GRAY; A PATHETIC BALLAD by THOMAS HOOD TO FINE LADY WOULD-BE by BEN JONSON THE WAVING OF THE CORN by SIDNEY LANIER THREE SONGS OF LOVE (CHINESE FASHION): 2. RIVER SONG by WILLIAM A. BEATTY |