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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPIGRAM: TO WILLIAM, LORD MONTEAGLE by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: LO, WHAT MY COUNTRY SHOULD HAVE DONE (HAVE RAISED
Last Line: BUT SAVER OF MY COUNTRY THEE ALONE.
Subject(s): GUNPOWDER PLOT; PARKER, WILLIAM. 4TH BARON MONTEAGLE; GUY FAWKES;
Lo, what my country should have done (have raised
An obelisk, or column to thy name,
Or, if she would but modestly have praised
Thy fact, in brass or marble writ the same)
I, that am glad of thy great chance, here do!
And proud, my work shall outlast common deeds,
Durst think it great, and worthy wonder too,
But thine, for which I do it, so much exceeds!
My country's parents I have many known;
But saver of my country thee alone.



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