The thorns which I have reap'd are of the tree
I planted--they have torn me--and I bleed!
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The thorns which I have reap'd are of the tree
I planted--they have torn me--and I bleed!
I should have known what fruit would spring from such a seed.

Contentious fierce,
Ardent, and dire, spring from no petty cause.

Contentious fierce,
Ardent, and dire, spring from no petty cause.

What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.

What dire Offence from am'rous Causes springs,
What mighty Contests rise from trivial Things.

As you sow y' are like to reap.

As you sow y' are like to reap.

Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent
lamb should be made parchment? that read more

Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent
lamb should be made parchment? that parchment, being scribbled
o'er, should undo a man? Some say the bee stings, but I say 'tis
the bee's wax; for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was
never mind own man since.

Thou marvell'st at my words, but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

Thou marvell'st at my words, but hold thee still;
Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

That from small fires comes oft no small mishap.

It will be seen in the frying of the eggs.
[Sp., Al freir de los huevos lo vera.]

It will be seen in the frying of the eggs.
[Sp., Al freir de los huevos lo vera.]

So holy writ in babes hath judgment shown
When judges have been babes; great floods have flown
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So holy writ in babes hath judgment shown
When judges have been babes; great floods have flown
From simple sources, and great seas have dried
When miracles have by the greatest been denied.