Matthew Prior

Odds life! must one swear to the truth of a song?

Odds life! must one swear to the truth of a song?

Now fitted the halter, now travers'd the cart,
And often took leave; but was loth to part.

Now fitted the halter, now travers'd the cart,
And often took leave; but was loth to part.

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest read more

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest walks, but walks astray,
Is only furthest from his way.

Soft peace she brings, wherever she arrives:
She builds our quiet, as she forms our lives:
Lays read more

Soft peace she brings, wherever she arrives:
She builds our quiet, as she forms our lives:
Lays the rough paths of peevish Nature even,
And opens in each heart a little Heaven.

Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate,
Swift without violence, without terror great.

Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate,
Swift without violence, without terror great.