Religion

Rob not the Poore, because he is poore; neyther wrong him in Iudgement. Pro. 22.22

by John Davies of Hereford c. 1565–1618

From Essaies (1612)

Religion

THough Words with Wisedome richly be attirde,
yet, if their Speaker be not rich withall,
They will be rather scorned, then admir'd;
or thought, through Enuyes spight most criminall.

But Words pronounced by Authoritie,
(though no Authoritie doth them approue)
Are held for Oracles of Deitie;
and, quoted, as rich Scriptures, Truth to proue!

Thus Wisedome rare, without a Fortune rich,
is a rich Gift that gets but poore regard:
For, Wisedomes lowest voyce, or highest Pitch,
if her Pipe be but meane, can ne'er be heard:
For, the Worlds Eares, though wide, no voyce can heare
That comes not from a Pipe, as deare as cleare.

MLA

Hereford, John Davies of. “Rob not the Poore, because he is poore; neyther wrong him in Iudgement. Pro. 22.22.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/108/.

Chicago

Hereford, John Davies of. “Rob not the Poore, because he is poore; neyther wrong him in Iudgement. Pro. 22.22.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/108/.

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