A prison is a convent without God. Poverty, Chastity, Obedience Its precepts are. In this austere abode None gather wealth of pleasure or of pence. Woman's light wit, the heart's concupiscence Are banished here. At the least warder's nod Thy neck shall bend in mute subservience. Nor yet for virtue—rather for the rod. Here a base turnkey novice-master is, Teaching humility. The matin bell Calls thee to toil, but little comforteth. None heed thy prayers or give the kiss of peace. Nathless, my soul, be valiant. Even in Hell Wisdom shall preach to thee of life and death. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LITTLE GIRL LOST, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE TO A FRIEND by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD FIRST BOOK OF AIRS: 20. A HAPPY MARRIAGE by THOMAS CAMPION NATURA NATURANS by ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH ONE LIFE by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR BEDTIME by FRANCIS ROBERT ST. CLAIR ERSKINE SHILLIN' A DAY by RUDYARD KIPLING |