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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NECESSARY OBSERVATIONS: 29TH PRECEPT by THOMAS RANDOLPH

Poet Analysis

First Line: HEAR MUCH, BUT LITTLE SPEAK; A WISE MAN FEARS
Last Line: DO LET IN WIT; THE TONGUE DOTH LET OUT FOLLY.
Subject(s): SILENCE;

Hear much, but little speak; a wise man fears,
And will not use his tongue so much as ears.
The tongue, if it the hedge of teeth do break,
Will others shame, and its own ruin speak.
I never yet did ever read of any
Undone by hearing, but by speaking many.
The reason's this: the ears, if chaste and holy,
Do let in wit; the tongue doth let out folly.



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