A woman's friendship! God whom I trust in, Forgive me this one foolish deadly sin; Amongst my many other, that I may No more, I am sorry for so fond cause, say At fifty years, almost, to value it, That ne'er was known to last above a fit! Or have the least of good, but what it must Put on for fashion, and take up on trust: Knew I all this afore? Had I perceived, That their whole life was wickedness, though weaved Of many colours; outward fresh from spots, But their whole inside full of ends, and knots? Knew I, that all their dialogues, and discourse, Were such as I will now relate, or worse? . . . Here, something is wanting. . . Knew I this woman? Yes; and you do see, How penitent I am, or I should be! Do not you ask to know her; she is worse Than all ingredients made into one curse, And that poured out upon mankind can be! Think but the sin of all her sex, 'tis she! I could forgive her being proud! A whore! Perjured! And painted! If she were no more -- But she is such, as she might, yet, forestall The devil; and be the damning of us all. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FEBRUARY IN ROME by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE THE AKOND [OR, AKHOND] OF SWAT by EDWARD LEAR THE SONG OF HIAWATHA: HIAWATHA AND MUDJEKEEWIS by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW A ROCKING HYMN by GEORGE WITHER WELCOME, LITTLE STRANGER (BY A DISPLACED THREE-YEAR-OLD) by CHARLES FOLLEN ADAMS |