Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO BENJAMIN RUDYERD by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: RUDYERD, AS LESSER DAMES, TO GREAT ONES USE
Last Line: THAT STRIVES, HIS MANNERS SHOULD PRECEDE HIS WIT.
Subject(s): RUDYERD, SIR BENJAMIN (1572-1658);

Rudyerd, as lesser dames, to great ones use,
My lighter comes, to kiss thy learned muse;
Whose better studies while she emulates,
She learns to know long difference of their states.
Yet is the office not to be despised,
If only love should make the action prized:
Nor he, for friendship, to be thought unfit,
That strives, his manners should precede his wit.



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