Poetry - Lessons with Rhyme & Meter

L essons W ith R hyme & M eter

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"The Triple Fool"

� � I am two fools, I know -
For loving, and for saying so
� In whining poetry;
But where's that wiseman that would not be I,
� If she would not deny?
Then, as th' earths inward narrow crooked lanes
Do purge sea waters fretful salt away,
� I thought, if I could draw my pains
Through rhymes vexation, I should them allay.
Grief brought to numbers cannot be so fierce,
For he tames it that fetters it in verse.

� But when I have done so,
Some man, his art and voice to show,
� Doth set and sing my pain,
And, by delighting many, frees again
� Grief, which verse did restrain.
To Love and Grief tribute of verse belongs,
But not of such as pleases when 'tis read;
� Both are increased by such songs,
For both their triumphs so are published;
And I, which was two fooles, do so grow three;
Who are a little wise, the best fools be.

~ John Donne