Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO KING JAMES; UPON THE HAPPY FALSE RUMOUR OF HIS DEATH by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THAT WE THE LOSS MIGHT KNOW, AND THOU OUR LOVE
Last Line: LOOK NOT UPON THY DANGERS, BUT OUR FEARS.
Subject(s): JAMES I, KING OF ENGLAND (1566-1625);
That we the loss might know, and thou our love,
Great heaven did well, to give ill fame free wing;
Which though it did but panic terror prove,
And far beneath least pause of such a king,
Yet give thy jealous subjects leave to doubt:
Who this thy 'scape from rumour gratulate,
No less than if from peril; and devout,
Do beg thy care unto thy after-state.
For we, that have our eyes still in our ears,
Look not upon thy dangers, but our fears.



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