On Fools and Folly
LOVE’S FOLLY
She with whom all my thoughts dwell, is averse,— She loves another. He whom she desires Turns to a fairer face. Another worse For me afflicted is with deeper fires. Fie on my love and me and him and her! Fie most on Love, this madness’ minister!
THE MIDDLE SORT
Easily shalt thou the ignorant appease;
The wise more easily is satisfied;
But one who builds his raw and foolish pride On a little lore not God himself can please.
OBSTINACY IN FOLLY
Go, with strong violence thy jewel tear From the fierce alligator’s yawning jaws; Swim the wild surges when they lash the air Billow on billow thundering without pause; Or set an angry serpent in thy hair For garland! Sooner shalt thou gain their ruth
Than conquer the fool’s obstinate heart with truth.
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