Matthew Prior

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the read more

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the late revel, and protracted feast,
Wild dreams succeeded, and disorder'd rest.

To each man at his birth nature has given some fault.

To each man at his birth nature has given some fault.

And oft the pangs of absence to remove
By letters, soft interpreters of love.

And oft the pangs of absence to remove
By letters, soft interpreters of love.

Thy sum of duty let two words contain,
(O may they graven in thy heart remain!)
Be read more

Thy sum of duty let two words contain,
(O may they graven in thy heart remain!)
Be humble and be just.

Of two evils I have chose the least.

Of two evils I have chose the least.