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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO JOHN DONNE (2) by BEN JONSON

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: DONNE, THE DELIGHT OF PHOEBUS AND EACH MUSE
Last Line: BUT LEAVE, BECAUSE I CANNOT AS I SHOULD!
Subject(s): DONNE, JOHN (1572-1631); POETRY & POETS;
Donne, the delight of Phoebus, and each Muse,
Who, to thy one, all other braines refuse;
Whose every work, of thy most early wit,
Came forth example, and remaines so, yet:
Longer a knowing, than most wits do live;
And which no affection praise enough can give!
To it, thy language, letters, arts, best life,
Which might with halfe mankind maintaine a strife;
All which I meant to praise, and, yet, I would;
But leave, because I cannot as I should!




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