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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO SIR HENRY CARY by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THAT NEITHER FAME NOR LOVE MIGHT WANTING BE
Last Line: THAT VIRTUOUS IS, WHEN THE REWARD'S AWAY.
Subject(s): CARY, SIR HENRY. 1ST VISCOUNT FALKLAND;
That neither fame nor love might wanting be
To greatness, Cary, I sing that and thee;
Whose house, if it no other honor had,
In only three might be both great and glad;
Who, to upbraid the sloth of this our time,
Durst valor make almost, but not, a crime;
Which deed I know not, whether were more high,
Or thou more happy, it to justify
Against thy fortune: when no foe, that day,
Could conquer thee but chance, who did betray.
Love thy great loss, which a renown hath won,
To live when Broick not stands, nor Ruhr doth run.
Love honors, which of best example be
When they cost dearest and are done most free;
Though every fortitude deserves applause,
It may be much or little in the cause.
He's valiant'st that dares fight, and not for pay;
That virtuous is, when the reward's away.


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