The poetical works of Sir John Denham Edited with notes and introduction by Theodore Howard Banks |
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NATURA NATURATA
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 | The poetical works of Sir John Denham |  |
NATURA NATURATA
What gives us that Fantastick Fit,
That all our Judgment and our Wit
To vulgar custom we submit?
That all our Judgment and our Wit
To vulgar custom we submit?
Treason, Theft, Murther, all the rest
Of that foul Legion we so detest,
Are in their proper names exprest.
Of that foul Legion we so detest,
Are in their proper names exprest.
Why is it then taught sin or shame,
Those necessary parts to name,
From whence we went, and whence we came?
Those necessary parts to name,
From whence we went, and whence we came?
107
Nature, what ere she wants, requires;
With Love enflaming our desires,
Finds Engines fit to quench those fires:
With Love enflaming our desires,
Finds Engines fit to quench those fires:
Death she abhors; yet when men die,
We are present; but no stander by
Looks on when we that loss supply:
We are present; but no stander by
Looks on when we that loss supply:
Forbidden Wares sell twice as dear;
Even Sack prohibited last year,
A most abominable rate did bear.
Even Sack prohibited last year,
A most abominable rate did bear.
'Tis plain our eyes and ears are nice,
Only to raise by that device,
Of those Commodities the price.
Only to raise by that device,
Of those Commodities the price.
Thus Reason's shadows us betray
By Tropes and Figures led astray,
From Nature, both her Guide and way.
By Tropes and Figures led astray,
From Nature, both her Guide and way.
| The poetical works of Sir John Denham | |