THE CENTURY OF LIFE
THE CENTURY OF LIFE
WORLDLY WISDOM
Have mercy for all men, for thy own race
Have kindness, for the cunning cunning have, Affection for the good, and politic ways
For princes: for thy foes a spirit brave, Patience for elders, candour for the wise:
Have skilful ways to steal out women’s hearts.
Who shine here, masters in these social arts, In them the human scheme deep-rooted lies.
GOOD COMPANY
Company of good men is a very soil Of plenty, yielding all high things to man. The dull weight of stupidity it can
Lift fom the mind and cleanse of falsehood vile,
Sprinkling truth’s fragrance sweet upon the speech; And it can point out greatness’ rising path, And drive out sinful lust and drive out wrath,
And a calm gladness to the senses teach;
Glory that to the very stars would climb,
Can give thee, conquering thy heart and time.
THE CONQUESTS OF SOVEREIGN POETRY
Who are the conquerors? Not mere lords of land, But kingly poets, whose high victories
Are perfect works; men’s hearts at their command Are wholly; at their will the passions rise.
Glory their body is, which Death’s pale fear
Afflicts not, nor abhorréd Age comes near,
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