Virtue, alas, now let me take some rest: Thou sett'st a bate between my will and wit. If vain love have my simple soul oppressed, Leave what thou lik'st not, deal not thou with it. Thy sceptre use in some old Cato's breast; Churches or schools are for thy seat more fit. I do confess -- pardon a fault confessed -- My mouth too tender is for thy hard bit. But if that needs thou wilt usurping be The little reason that is left in me, And still the effect of thy persuasions prove: I swear, my heart such one shall show to thee That shrines in flesh so true a deity, That, virtue, thou thy self shalt be in love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO THE DAISY (1) by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE MESSIAH by MABEL WARREN ARNOLD SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 5. ETERNAL by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: MAN'S GUARD AGAINST DEATH by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES COUNTRY LASSIE by ROBERT BURNS |