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Poem by Thomas Urquhart


Epigrams. The Third Booke. № 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.



Thomas Urquhart


Thomas Urquhart's other poems:
  1. Epigrams. The Third Booke. № 3. We ought always to thinke upon what we are to say, before we utter any thing; the speeches and talk of solid wits, being still pre∣meditated, and never using to forerunne the mind
  2. Epigrams. The First Booke. № 19. Ingratitude is such a common vice, that even those who exclame most against it, are not freest of it
  3. Epigrams. The Second Booke. № 22. A very ready way to goodnesse, and true VVisedome
  4. Epigrams. The Third Booke. № 29. How magnanimous a thing it is, in adversity, patiently to endure, what cannot bee evited
  5. Epigrams. The Second Booke. № 29. A truely liberall man never bestoweth his gifts, in hope of recompence


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