(John Donne, 1573-1631)



some man unworthy to be possesor

of old or new love himself being false or weak

thought his pain and shame would be lesser

from womankind he might his anger wreak



hey and thance a low did grow

one should but one man know

but are other creatures so but are other creatures so



are some of the stars by law forbidden

to smile with the list or lend away their light

are birds devorced or are they chidden

if they leave their maid or lie abroad a night.



beasts do no jointures loose though they new lovers choose

but we are made worse than those , but we are made worse than those.



who e`er rigged fair ship to lie in harbours

and not to seek new lands, or not to deal withal

or built fair houses, set trees, and arbours,

only to lock up, or else to let them fall ?



good is not good, unless

a thousand it possess,

but doth waste with greediness.

but doth waste with greediness.