Poem by Thomas Urquhart

Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 9. That a courtesie ought to be conferred soone, and with a good will

NO man will from his heart owe that, which was
Extorted by meere importunity,
Without regard of true desert; because
It seemes to have beene giv'n unwillingly:
Who distributes his benefits that way,
Needs not then wait for a gratification
From him, whom he hath dulled with delay,
And tortured with grievous expectation;
For we acknowledge gifts according to
Th'intent of him, who doth the same bestow.

1. Epigrams. The First Booke. ¹ 41. Concerning those, who marry for beauty, and wealth without regard of vertue
2. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 13. What the subject of your conference ought to be with men of judgment, and account
3. Epigrams. The First Booke. ¹ 42. The speech of a noble spirit to his adversary, whom af∣ter he had defeated, he acknowledgeth to be nothing in∣feriour to himselfe in worth, wit, or valour, thereby insinuating that a wise man cannot properly bee subdued: though he be orthrown in body, and worldly commodities
4. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 19. What is not vertuously acquired, if acquired by vs, is not properly ours
5. Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 17. VVhy we must all dye

Print

1192 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version